Belinea

by Andrew Mack

  Garvalin smiled, nodded, and said, “Alright, I will walk out the other side of the store in ten minutes if you go out the front now.”

  Yi smiled, turned around, and began walking away. As he did, he said, “There is a ‘48 Lovarri blend from Kapoor Estate on Torsalli on the next aisle over. A friend of mine produces it. Expensive, but great for a special occasion.”

  Garvalin said as he walked away, “I hope we have one.”

  Belinea 6.10

  Avola

  Cataco Mines

  Octavious had watched for over an hour. The miners, through a series of small explosions, rock cutting devices, and ventilators, had broken through the blocked entrance of the Cataco Cut. Dust was everywhere, and light was almost non-existent. The crew was off the shaft trains and now on foot, a rocky and unstable path that was slow to navigate. Once they had gotten through the entrance, however, the Cut was spacious. It was six meters high and ten meters wide, deep underneath the mountains.

  They finally got to the other side, when Lucas turned to Octavious and said, “That’s it. The Cut stops here.”

  Octavious was sipping on a cup of water. Dust was all over his face. He looked at Lucas, a little short on breath, and said, “What now?”

  Lucas, while pointing at a section of the cave, said, “The CCP is up there somewhere, but we would be cutting blind. It’s not on any of the maps, so without proper tools and lighting, it could take us days, maybe weeks.”

  Octavious looked down before looking up to take another sip of water. Octavious said softly, “I’m open to ideas.”

  Nobody said anything. Finally, Donovan replied, “I sent the message Octavious, through the internal miner channels. I got no response.”

  Virgil responded. “And nor would you. If I got that message, I would think it was a trap from the Majavkee, testing us on our loyalty. “

  Octavious looked at Cortes and realized he was probably right. He looked at Virgil and Lucas and said, “Alright, start trying to find the entrance. We wait here as long as it takes.”

  Lucas said, “We are gonna need some more light. And what are we gonna do about food and water, Octavious?”

  Octavious shook his head gently and said, “I will figure something out.”

  Belinea 6.11

  Torsalli

  Kapoor Estate

  The BRG officer was still interrogating Vihaan Kapoor when Lord Malovex’s ship landed. Malovex, in all black as always, headed straight for them. As Malovex walked up, he could hear Vihaan say, “How the hell should I know?”

  As the BRG officer turned slightly, he noticed Malovex standing next to him. He immediately turned ninety degrees and stood at attention. As he was saluting, he got out, “Lord Malovex.”

  Malovex stood there, eyeing Vihaan Kapoor up and down. He finally said, “Vihaan Kapoor, I was told there is a big black crater in your backyard and that you were robbed?”

  Vihaan let out a small smile before he said, “Sansigar Malovex, so glad you are here. I was robbed. I am trying to file a report right now.”

  Malovex squinted his eyes and tilted his head ever so slightly. He softly said, “It’s been quite some time since someone other than my Uncle called me by my first name.”

  Vihaan just stared back and said, “It’s been quite some time since someone had the balls to rob me, but who is counting?”

  The two gave each other a courteous smirk, neither sincere. Malovex took a deep breath and said, “Well, we already killed the guys responsible for the crater…”

  Vihaan quickly said, “Thank you, where can I leave a tip?”

  Malovex continued, “But what was stolen?”

  The BRG officer interrupted and said, “Mr. Kapoor claims two D-21 Sirallo’s were stolen from his property.”

  Malovex replied quickly, “You have two D-21 Sirallo’s? One is not enough?”

  Vihaan looked directly at Malovex and said, “I got three, but again, who is counting?”

  Malovex looked at Vihaan and said, “Why two Vihaan? If you are one person, I see stealing one. But if you got a team, why steal two? Why not just take all three of them?

  Vihaan wiped the smile off his face and just said, “What am I, Sherlock Fucking Holmes?”

  The two just stared at each other. The BRG officer said, “ As I was trying to explain to Mr. Kapoor. The Earth DAG maintains his property, so his report will need to be filed with them. We are here strictly in the capacity to offer assistance and find the culprits.”

  Malovex then said, “Pity. You know, Vihaan, I can arrange for the BRG to provide you security. Might be a little more expensive, but we could probably stop the theft of your personal transports for starters.”

  Vihaan just smiled and said, “For now, I will take my chances with my fellow Earth business partners. Perhaps you can leave a card and a quote if I change my mind.”

  The BRG officer interrupted again. “ We were about to ask Mr. Kapoor for his security footage to help us catch those responsible.”

  Vihaan just chuckled. “Good luck with that.”

  Malovex slightly tilted his head in confusion and replied, “Kapoor, when did you become so uncooperative?”

  Vihaan said, “Let me summarize the security footage for you, Malovex. There was my vineyard, and the next millisecond it was gone all black. So I have nothing on the Sirallo’s.”

  Malovex quickly added, “I am pretty sure the BRG can stop that from happening as well.”

  Vihaan said, “Losing my vineyards?”

  Malovexx shook his head, looked at the BRG officer, and said, “Bombs falling from the sky. Leave us.”

  The BRG officer walked away. Malovex turned to Vihaan and said, “You have a contract to build Belinean ships as well, Vihaan. We are all concerned. Why not tell me what happened?”

  Vihaan, politely said, “You think I got answers? A bomb fell from fucking sky. What’s next, my lucky numbers?”

  Malovex only replied, “I am sure aristocrats everywhere are sobbing at a particular vintage being lost. I was referring to the two DAG officers that showed up on your doorstep.”

  Vihaan replied, “I don’t know what you are talking about.”

  Malovex crossed his arms and said, “Oh, I think you do because that bomb was not the only thing that fell from the sky, and you got a missing Sirallo.”

  Vihaan held up two fingers and said, “Two.”

  Malovex said, “Glad you can count. Which brings me to my next question. Were the Sirallo’s stolen at the same time?”

  Vihaan answered back, “I woke up from a wine hangover, got an afternoon blowjob, and then discovered they were gone. I have no idea.”

  Malovex replied, “Here is the situation, Vi. I wish I cared about that crater out there and all the precious wine you lost, but honestly, I don’t.”

  Vihaan interjected with a sarcastic “Refreshing…”

  Malovex answered, “What I do care about is the ground team that navigated that bomb on your house. So, if your two DAG officer’s left in two separate Sirallo’s, well, that seems very generous and a bit over-indulgent even for you. But if they only left in one, then I am interested in who stole the second one. Otherwise, the team I am really looking for could still be here.”

  Vihaan thought for a second, before replying, “Do I look like a generous, over-indulgent prick?”

  Malovex answered, “Is this a trick question?”

  Vihaan crossed his arms and said, “In an effort to maintain a good relationship with your father and yourself, hypothetically, if I allowed two friends, who asked if they could borrow one of my transport crafts, they certainly would not have enough balls to ask for two.”

  Malovex tilted his head the other way. “See how easy that was, Vihaan?”

  Vihaan replied, “Maybe, but I don’t see you or your father paying for that big black fucki
ng crater out there, do I.”

  Malovex turned and began walking away. He shouted, “Relax, Vihaan. We will just get you another contract to build some fucking thing.”

  Belinea 6.12

  Capital City, Belinea

  Ambassador Yi was nervous. He had gotten the private message as soon as he left the wine shop to see Chairman Hassara and Tempest Hassara at once. He was now outside, leaving his palm print and eye scan for proper identification. He got through the two security guards and entered the office doors, where the robot assistant said, “The Chairman will see you…”

  Ambassador Yi walked in and noticed Tempest Hassara and Admiral Magloan joined chairman Hassara. The Chairman spoke first, “Ambassador Yi, please come in and sit down.”

  Ambassador Yi acknowledged everyone before sitting in the chair in front of Chairman Hassara’s desk. This was already a curious meeting. The Chairman had a drink in his hand and usually only had one when the day’s work was over. This then was an unexpected meeting. The Chairman asked, “A drink Ambassador?”

  Yi smiled kindly and said, “A little too early for that Chairman. I usually drink wine.”

  Tempest walked over to the bar area and poured two glasses of wine. She turned around, walked over to Yi, and presented him a glass before returning to her seat. “Torsalli Simi.”

  Yi smiled again and crossed his legs in his chair. “Well, that changes things. Too good to pass up, thank you. Cheers.”

  Yi raised his glass, as did everyone in the room. It seemed even Admiral Magloan had a hi-ball glass, neat, of whatever the chairman was drinking. The Chairman took a sip and then asked, “Ambassador, we have several conflicting reports that I wanted your perspective on. What do you know about Ambassador Bird getting here?”

  Yi took a sip of his wine. He was prepared for this. He answered, “Chairman, as I told the Defense Minister, I know less than you.”

  Admiral Magloan interjected. “You have an individual security staff, the Delegate Ambassador Guard, correct?

  Yi glanced at the Admiral before refocusing on the Chairman. “Yes, the DAG for short. I have a detail team assigned to me by the Guard’s top officer, Director Kimakawa. He, and his deputy, Vice Director Meyers, handle all the assignments and the details for each mission.”

  Tempest then asked, “And you trust them?”

  Yi glanced at Tempest a little longer before returning his eyesight to the Chairman. He realized quickly as if there was any doubt, who was actually running the meeting. Yi continued with a smile. “I have a team of eight, and they have kept me alive this long.”

  The Chairman smiled and then said, “The reports coming from Torsalli regarding Ambassador Bird are not definitive. There was an explosion of his Transport craft, but we cannot get confirmation that he was on it.”

  Tempest added, “It is possible his DAG team pulled him off of the ship. We were curious as to what you have heard from your end, perhaps from the Director or your DAG team?”

  Yi was very good at playing dumb. “Like you, I have only heard the transport had blown up. My channels assumed he was onboard.”

  The Chairman reshifted in his chair and continued. “Tempest asked if you trust them because candidly, everyone in this room has little confidence the DAG is capable of doing their job.”

  Tempest continued, “I do not often speak for my cousin, but I assure you, Lord Malovex, shares the same views. We have no doubt the BRG, through his guidance, is far better equipped and trained to execute security for all the Ambassador’s, including yourself.”

  Yi took a sip of wine and answered, “I appreciate your concern. It is difficult for me to comment when I am unaware of all the facts present. I know the DAG does not have a spotless track record, nor does the BRG for that matter. My commitment is to stop the terrorists by all means necessary, recognizing that should be our common focus.”

  Tempest continued, “Were you aware of what Ambassador Garvalin was going to say today?”

  Yi was slightly nervous. “No. Her position surprised all of us.”

  Tempest added, “It blind-sided us, and we do not like to be caught off guard like that.”

  The Chairman took a sip from his glass and said, “Yet, you know the Ambassador fairly well, no?”

  Yi could see where this was going. He shifted gears. Even if he was wrong, better to cover his ass now than never be trusted again. Yi said, “I sought her counsel. I spoke to her about the need to reconcile, move forward, and collectively come up with an answer to bring the terrorists to justice.”

  Tempest replied, “You have seen her since the meeting?”

  Yi continued, “I met her privately in the city. Forgive me, but I did not think any of you reaching out to her would change her position. I felt I could reasonably persuade her differently.”

  The Chairman asked, “And did you?”

  Yi shook his head slightly and said, “I do not believe so. She said she would give it more thought, but my assessment is the position will change when the pressure is too much.”

  The Chairman asked, “So, communicating with her in private will not help?”

  Yi shifted in his chair as well. “In my opinion, Mr. Chairman, it is not necessary. And the inability to change her mind when confronted would make you or Tempest look weak. I have shown her what is at stake, let the plot run its course.”

  The Chairman and Tempest looked at each other. After a few seconds, The Chairman said, “I concur, Ambassador. Your solidarity in this matter is not overlooked by the people in this room. You are a true ally.”

  Tempest stood up and, looking at Yi, said, “Thank you for your timely response. I am sure you have other business to attend.”

  Yi stood up as well, putting his glass of wine down. “Defense Minister, I am at your service.”

  Yi bowed his head and walked out of the room. He proceeded down two different hallways, his DAG team directly behind him. Yi whispered over his shoulder, “Lieutenant Orlando.”

  The Lieutenant came up a couple of strides, so that he and Ambassador Yi could be walking side by side. “When Director Kimakawa sends a message to you, and you respond, is it over a private channel?”

  The Lieutenant nodded and said, “Yes, Ambassador. It’s the same C-Bar Channel you use.”

  They turned a corner and went through a door outside. The Ambassador said softly, “Alright, no more communication at all. If you receive a message, do not respond, understand?”

  The Lieutenant then claimed, “I will be disobeying orders, Ambassador.”

  Yi stopped and looked directly at his Lieutenant. Very quietly, he said, “From this moment on, you only take orders from me, I will deal with Kimakawa.”

  Yi turned and walked away. Under his breath, he said, “We are being watched.”

  Belinea 6.13

  Molar

  Populis Pointe

  Alexis, Tunsall, and Trujillo continued looking through the T-141 to what other assets they had. Trujillo opened a cabinet and found two rifles, being stored vertically. A box of ammunition was on top of the storage. Trujillo, holding a rifle, said, “Yes…...”

  Tunsall nodded his head. Alexis turned to him and said, “Great, how does that help us?”

  Trujillo answered, “This will provide us cover.”

  Alexis continued, “From whom? We don’t even know who we are dealing with?”

  Tunsall replied, “I am willing to bet it is one of the crime Lords. It’s probably not the first abduction/ransom transaction they have done.”

  Trujillo, smiling, countered sarcastically, “Maybe we can inquire with the locals and see who has the best reputation in times like this? One with Ambassador kidnapping specialization?”

  Alexis quickly answered, “They did leave us a note….”

  Trujillo continued, “Yes, but do we even know if Bird was on board?”

 
; Tunsall, turning directly to Alexis, added quickly, “Maybe he took a walk and tried to communicate with somebody, like you.”

  Alexis rolled her eyes slightly, took a small breath, and said, “But the door was blasted?”

  Trujillo added after a little silence, “They could have blasted it, just to leave the note. Don’t you think he might have left? Or that it is even likely?”

  Alexis looked at Trujillo and said, “Shit. You should not have left him.”

  Trujillo looked right back at her and said, “Nor should have you.”

  The two just stared at each other for a few more seconds, before Tunsall broke the tension with “Trujillo, I am going to need a hand getting the Sirator out.”

  Alexis looked at Tunsall and said, “You think these guys are going to fight you in space?”

  Tunsall sarcastically responded. “Yeah, I am sure they have a Battle Cruiser.”

  Alexis continued. “It’s probably a crew of four to six guys and small weapons. Instead of the Sirator, perhaps try a pistol?”

  Tunsall looked at her and said, “You have no idea what I can do in that thing. Besides, I hope I am wrong, but I bet they got a lot more than six guys.”

  Alexis replied, “Great. You two got a plan?”

  Tunsall looked at Trujillo. Trujillo cut in and said, “We do, if he is thinking what I am thinking. “

  Alexis asked, “Which is….?”

  Tunsall, still looking at Trujillo, said, “You with the rifle out there…”

  Trujillo continued, “You in the Sirator for cover….”

  Tunsall nodded his head towards Alexis and said, “She negotiates…”

  Trujillo finished with “Yep.”

  Alexis was confused as to how fast they thought and talked. “Wait, what…?”

  Tunsall added, “If only she knew how to fly, then we would really have something.”

  Trujillo grabbed Tunsall by the shoulder. He looked at him before looking back at Alexis and said, “How much do you remember about what I showed you in the cockpit?”

  Alexis, still confused, said, “What?”