by Rachel Aukes
Seda nodded. “That is correct.”
“However, you must understand that Parliament’s hands are tied to some extent. If the colonies all broke from the Collective, the economy would collapse. The Collective stands on the shoulders of all six worlds. I’m sure you can imagine the impact that suddenly losing four of those worlds would have. The loss in taxes alone would drop the Collective into a full-blown depression.”
“I understand,” Seda replied. “Conversely, the colonies have been asking for equality for decades, and rather than listen, Parliament has only instituted more restrictions. We’ve reached an impasse. I see no alternative.”
Anders raised a finger. “Try this option. What if all colonies without space docks were to become independent? Colonies with space docks would remain within the Collective, with each having the ability to propose their own path to independence to Parliament after ten years.”
Seda laughed. “Give us the fringe, and you take the fringe stations. Without space dock capabilities, you’d be effectively isolating every colony from each other. No. The only way the Collective will keep the fringe stations from becoming independent is by finishing what they started—by bombing them or blighting them.”
“Planets with no stations would certainly serve no good to either the Collective or the fringe.” Anders lips curled upward the smallest degree. “If the colonies are to be free, then the Collective must have assurances the space docks will welcome Collective traders. The fringe stations must maintain open trade with Myrad and Alluvian traders alike, with guaranteed annual minimum quantities and negotiated fair rates for each planet, along with an option to reevaluate trade agreements after an established duration.”
Seda watched him for a moment as he tried to determine if Anders was playing him or truly looking out for everyone’s best interests, which he found impossibly hard to believe. “Your proposal sounds fair, assuming the trade quantities and rates are agreed upon by both parties. Likewise, I’d like to see Myr and Alluvia retain certain trading with colonists.”
“That is assumed. You see, my family owns a fishing business on Alluvia. It’s a small business, but we get by. Most of our stock is catfish, which isn’t highly prized by Alluvians. Exports to the colonies have kept my family’s business alive, so I understand the value of trading going both ways.”
“Fried catfish is a personal favorite of mine,” Seda said.
“I’ll be sure to bring you some the next time I’m on Terra,” Anders said. “Speaking of Terra, I also assume any Terran trade agreements are inclusive of Faulk Industries. As you get new fuel production facilities up and running, the Collective would receive a percentage of production units at a fair rate.”
If Seda’s group of companies was being singled out during peace treaty negotiations, taking the juice from the Collective had proved to have a greater and faster impact than he’d expected. He felt no need to hide his smile. “Absolutely.”
Anders leaned back like he’d just finished a large meal. “I believe we could come to a fair and equitable arrangement, one that negates the use of any continued physical force on either side. However, I’m sure certain concessions will need to be made.”
“As long as those concessions don’t derail the integrity of the treaty, they are open for discussion. All colonies must be independent. That is a non-negotiable truth.”
Anders nodded. “I will personally deliver this proposal to Parliament. Now, in regard to the stolen CUF property, the Arcadia is clearly no longer an issue, but the Matador remains.”
“Unfortunately, I’m afraid the Matador had mechanical issues. Without the needed expertise, the ship’s caretakers chose to disassemble her for parts. By the time I learned of her demise, there was nothing I could do.”
“I see. That’s unfortunate.” He pushed to his feet. “I believe we’ve covered what we need to for one day. My final proposal is, we have a cease-fire until this verbal understanding can be discussed with Parliament. And, I need your assurance that biological warfare will never be used again. The blight is abhorrent, something that never should’ve been created in the first place.”
Seda stood. “I will do everything in my power to prevent the use of biological warfare. You have my word we will not be the aggressors, but should there be any actions taken against any colonist, we will do what is needed to protect the colonies’ interests.”
“Understood, and I give you my word the CUF will not show aggression during this time of cease-fire. However,” He raised a finger. “You should know that I intend to launch a full investigation into the murder of the Unity’s crew. I will bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Seda prayed that Critch was betraying no emotion on his face. “Agreed. I would expect nothing else.”
The pair clasped forearms.
Seda walked the corps general to the door. “I can only hope the progress we’ve made today will not be quashed by those who don’t have the Collective’s or the colonies’ best interests in mind.”
“As do I,” Anders responded.
Before Anders left, Seda paused. “A moment, Corps General.”
Anders motioned for his staff to leave the room, and Seda turned to Critch and Reyne. The two marshals didn’t look pleased, but they exited the room.
When only the pair remained in the room, Seda eyed Anders. “This went exactly as you intended, didn’t it?”
Anders glanced around the room. “Is this on the record or off the record?”
Seda walked over to his desk and turned off the recording. “Off the record.”
Anders gave a look like he didn’t know whether to believe Seda or not. “I believe it’s the inherent nature of any colony to become independent once it reaches a level of self-sustainment. However, I am also aware we are all currently interdependent upon one another. I’d much rather be exploring new solar systems than policing systems that don’t want me there. Perhaps, if the colonies were free, we could all move forward, citizens and colonists alike, into new endeavors and discover something innovative and exciting.” Anders tilted his head toward Seda. “Until we meet again.”
Anders departed, leaving Seda staring as the door closed behind the military officer.
Hari returned first. “So, is he on our side?”
Seda thought for a long moment. “I have no idea.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Crew Changes
Torrent Headquarters, Terra
Reyne
Corps General Anders led the fleet from Terra that same day. The Unity remained in orbit, a ghost ship filled with the dead. Until the CUF sent disinfectant teams with the fungicide, the ship would continue to linger above Terra.
Reyne had waited all day for the CUF fleet to depart Terra’s orbit to safely make his own departure. By then, it was well into the night, and he, Sixx, and Boden decided to wait until morning to leave. He slept restlessly throughout the night, anxious to get out and search for Throttle. By sunrise, he was running through pre-flight sequences.
“How’s she look?” Sixx asked as he entered the bridge.
“Everything’s in the green,” Reyne said. “Once Boden gets here and runs through engine checks, we’re good for departure.”
When Sixx didn’t speak, Reyne turned to find him leaning against the wall, thinking.
“You okay?” Reyne asked.
Sixx looked up. “Are you sure you’re good with us leaving during the Campaign?”
“Yes,” he replied, “Unequivocally. The Campaign is over, at least for us. It’s up to Seda to handle the politics. Besides, it’s long past time we focus on finding Throttle and Qelle. After that, we’ll see which direction the wind blows us.”
Sixx gave him a sideways glance before agreeing. He pushed off from the wall. “I guess I’d better say my goodbyes.”
Sixx headed off the ship, and Reyne shifted his concentration back to his pre-flight checks. While he was scanning systems, a small ship docked next to him. A Chital, if he wasn’t mista
ken. He’d never seen it around before. Something tickled at his curiosity, and he paused the scans and casually strolled outside and toward the other ship.
The Chital’s door opened when he’d reached halfway between the two ships, and a pretty woman—though looking quite disheveled—stepped out, holding a hand of a little girl who clutched a teddy bear in her other hand. The woman looked around, and when she saw Reyne, she called out, “Hey, you. I need a wheelchair over here. Can you find me one?”
His jaw slackened, and his entire body froze. He couldn’t even breathe. One step moved him forward, then the next. Soon, he was running up the ramp and into the ship. The ship was so small it only had a cockpit area with living space around it. His gaze fell instantly on the black-haired woman in a long gown, unstrapping her seatbelt. Disappointment stung—Throttle was blond and would never be caught dead in a dress—until he realized that the way she moved was too familiar.
“Throttle?” The question came out like a plea.
She turned, and Reyne nearly collapsed.
“Reyne!” she said and held out her arms.
He ran to her and held her tight as he murmured, “I thought you were—I thought—doesn’t matter. I love you.”
“I love you, too, Dad.”
He didn’t miss the fact that she’d called him “dad.” She’d never called him dad to his face before. His eyes welled with tears that soon streamed down his cheeks. He sniffled and wiped his eyes. “Come on, let’s get you out of here.”
He lifted her from her seat and carried her off the ship and into the fresh air outside. The ship had smelled beyond ripe—the air purification system clearly needed work. Though, he realized when he carried Throttle, she hadn’t showered in a long time.
“What happened?” he asked.
“Long story,” she said. “I’ll fill you in later. Right now, I could really use some real food. Shane had only stocked cavote bars and blue tea on the ship.” She shivered. “Ten crates of cavote bars and twenty gallons of blue tea.”
When he stepped onto the dock, he saw Boden standing there, staring, slack-jawed.
“Hey, Tren,” she said with a smile.
Boden continued to stare. “You’re…” He rushed to her
Reyne grimaced. “Don’t just stand there. Go get her wheels.”
“Oh. Okay.” He ran back to the Gryphon to grab the spare wheelchair they kept in back to use whenever Throttle’s regular wheelchair went in for seat replacement and tune-up.
“You’re okay,” Reyne said. “I can’t believe you’re here—and you’re okay.” He frowned. “Why are you here? Why didn’t you go to Playa?”
Throttle winced.
“What’s wrong?” Reyne asked, suddenly worried.
She shook her head. “Nothing. Just phantom pains.”
He frowned. You haven’t had one of those in years.”
“I’ll tell you later.” She nodded toward the woman and girl standing off to the side. Reyne had completely forgotten about them. “That’s Bree, and that’s Lily.” The little girl waved when Throttle introduced her.
Boden returned with her chair. Reyne set her down, and Boden immediately embraced her. “I thought I lost you,” he said softly, though loud enough Reyne could hear.
“I’m not that easy to get rid of,” she said, still holding him.
He pulled away, but left a hand on her shoulder, and she laid a hand over his. After a moment, he began to push her toward the hangar. Bree and Lily tagged along.
“Why didn’t you go to Playa? That was our RP,” Reyne said.
“I figured Sixx would still be on Terra.”
He furrowed his brow in confusion. “Why would it matter if Sixx was here?”
“Because Lily is Qelle’s daughter.”
Reyne stumbled before finding his pace again. “And Qelle?”
Throttle’s attention had been pulled away, and Reyne then noticed Sixx jogging over.
“Well, I’ll be a wombie’s uncle.” Sixx grinned broadly and rubbed her shoulder. “Hey, kiddo. It’s good to see you.”
“Good to see you, too, Sixx,” Throttle said.
Sixx lifted his wrist comm. “Wait. You’re wearing a dress. I need to get a picture of this.”
She hid her face. “Don’t you dare.”
“You’re Jeyde Sixx?” Bree asked.
“I am.” He squeezed Throttle’s hand, and then stepped over to meet the newcomers. “I don’t believe we’ve met.”
“No,” she said. “Throttle has been telling us about you. I’m Bree.”
Sixx took her hand and kissed the top of it. “It’s nice to meet you, Bree.” He stepped back and got down on a knee and gave Lily a big smile. “And who might—” His smile dropped at the same time he lost his speech.
Lily hugged her bear closer to her.
Several seconds passed. Then, he lifted his hand and brushed it across her cheek in the gentlest of manners. “You have your mother’s eyes.”
“And there you have it,” Throttle said. She polished off her third bottle of soda, and Birk jumped up to get her another.
After giving the new arrivals a few hours to bathe, get new clothes, and eat, it was late in the day. When they’d emerged clean and refreshed, Seda’s lounge had filled with people anxious to hear their tale. Critch and Birk arrived first, with Birk staying glued to Throttle’s side. Reyne didn’t fail to notice that Boden stayed glued on her other side. Seda and Hari came directly from the stationhouse when they heard Throttle had arrived. Several of Critch’s crew trickled in throughout the afternoon.
Throttle and Bree led the tale, with Lily providing a remark now and then. Sixx never took his eyes off Lily, and the little girl kept eyeing him with suspicion. The girl was timid, but she had a strength to her. Reyne wondered what sorts of abuses she’d seen while under the same roof as a slaver.
Throttle still had stain in her hair, though it was a lighter shade now that she’d showered. But Reyne noticed a change in her eyes that he found far more profound than the abrupt change in hair color. In her eyes, it seemed she’d aged decades. She was no longer the young woman he’d last seen on Spate. He’d seen the same change in fresh recruits before and after battle. Throttle had seen hell, and she’d be forever different.
Sixx turned to Throttle. “He won’t get away with it,” he said sternly, and everyone knew the “he” Sixx spoke of was Axos Wintsel.
“You’re damn right he won’t,” Throttle said. “We’ll both make sure of that.”
“We’ll all make sure of it,” Reyne said, “Together.”
“Together,” Bree chimed in.
“Yeah,” Lily added, and several chuckles emerged, though there was little humor to be found in the situation.
Seda stood. “You’re all welcome to stay here as long as you need. Now, I need to get back to work.” Hari stood also, and left the room with Seda.
Birk jumped up like something bit him. “I’ll be right back,” he said, and he rushed out of the lounge.
Throttle grinned, and then shook her head.
Boden whispered something in her ear, and she laughed. Then, Boden sobered. “I missed you.”
“I missed you, too,” she said.
Birk came running back into the room and practically fell onto his chair. “Throttle…” He sucked in a deep breath, as though trying to inhale courage. “I have to ask you something.”
Reyne cringed. Oh, please don’t propose to her.
Birk reached into his pocket, and Reyne wanted to cower. He’s going to propose.
Boden looked like he was about to choke.
Birk pulled out a keycard and held it up to her. Reyne audibly sighed, and he noticed Sixx raise a brow in his direction.
“Critch gave me the Scorpia,” Birk began. “But I’m no pilot. I’ve got no crew. It’s a great ship. I think we’d make a great team. I guess what I’m saying is, will you fly the Scorpia?”
She looked at him. “You want me to work for you?”
His eyes grew wide. “No! Not at all. What I meant to ask if you’d be my partner. Fifty-fifty. The Scorpia would be half yours.”
Reyne’s heart became a rock slamming inside his chest at that moment.
Throttle looked equally shocked. “You’re offering me the Scorpia?”
Birk nodded. “Yeah. I mean, we’d share it and all, but I think we’d make a good team.”
“You said that already,” she said.
He was about to say more, and then clamped his mouth shut.
Throttle spoke slowly and steadily. “That’s a big offer, Birk. A really big offer. Let me think on it tonight, okay? I’ll have an answer for you in the morning.”
Critch stood. “It’s good to have you back, Throttle.” He motioned to his guys. “My crew’s bugged you enough for one day. That especially includes you, Birk.”
“Okay,” Birk said. “I’ll stop by later.” He stood and kissed her full on the lips.
As Birk, Critch, and the rest of his crew headed toward the door, Reyne noticed the anger in Boden’s eyes. While Reyne was none too pleased with what Birk had just done, he made a mental note to caution the younger man to look out for the temperamental Alluvian.
“Hey, Critch?” Throttle called out.
Critch stopped and turned, while the rest of his crew exited.
“If I fly the Scorpia, am I on your crew, or Reyne’s crew?” she asked.
“Mine.” Critch shot a look at Reyne, who gave him his best glare. “Uh. Both crews.”
Throttle narrowed her gaze. “After the Citadel run, you made me an offer. Does that offer still stand?”
His eyes narrowed. He glanced at her legs, and then back up at her. “Of course.”
She nodded. “Thanks. I’ll let you know in the morning.”
The lounge cleared out, leaving only the Gryphon’s crew and the two newcomers, though Lily had dozed off nearly an hour ago.
Reyne turned to Throttle. “I know you like Birk, and he’s offering you quite an investment opportunity, but—”