by Cary Caffrey
The automated systems flew them low over the lush green and blue hills of Aquarii. Though more populated than Alcyone, it was still a natural paradise compared to the permacrete-covered landscapes of Earth. Sigrid marveled at the colors; she had never seen blue trees before.
The forests gave way to more industrialized areas as they came in over Aetos City, the largest city on Aquarii, populated by well over a million people. The Kimura enclave was a sprawling campus located in the heart of the city. They skimmed down over a wide airfield lined with a variety of ships, passing two hulking destroyers perched on the edge of the tarmac. At over 400 meters in length, these were the largest ships capable of planetary landings. Any larger warships and transports had to remain in orbit around Aquarii.
The autopilot brought them down on their designated pad close to the complex. Christian went quickly through the shutdown sequence to the whines and the wailings of the thrusters powering down. "You have arrived at your destination," he said with a leer. "Please enjoy your stay."
"Well done, Mr. Lopez," she teased. They both knew the ship's systems had handled the entire approach and landing.
They gathered in the lower airlock; Sigrid hit the release and the outer door swung open and down. A blast of warm, humid air washed over her. Sigrid gasped. But it wasn't the sudden change in atmosphere that startled her. There, at the base of the stairs, sitting in a wheelchair and surrounded by a platoon of security officers, was none other than the Lady Hitomi Kimura, CEO and head of the Kimura Corporation.
Clad in an elaborate gown of black silk, she smiled at Sigrid from behind a pair of dark glasses. Two security officers helped her to stand. Even with mechanical braces fastened to her legs, she leaned heavily on an ornately carved cane made of lacquered cherry-wood. She stood tall, much taller than Sigrid. Her thick, long, raven-black hair was tied back, held by a set of gilded kogai and kushi. Several long strands hung delicately down the sides of her face. Even at sixty-two, and hampered as she was by the disease that had taken the use of her legs, the Lady Hitomi exuded a powerful, captivating persona.
Sigrid approached her, followed gingerly by her own crew, who were clearly surprised at the entourage before them. Lady Hitomi took two unsteady steps toward Sigrid, who bowed deeply. She lifted Sigrid's chin with the tip of her finger, removed her dark glasses and regarded Sigrid with a smile.
"Welcome home, Sigrid," Hitomi said, pronouncing her name perfectly.
The Lady Hitomi pulled back a loose strand of hair that blew across her face. She tilted her head, shielding her eyes from the sun. As she did, Sigrid caught a glimpse—she wasn't sure at first—but then she saw it again as the breeze whipped the Lady's hair from her face; a small, two millimeter-wide slot. Hitomi Kimura had a PCM access port tucked hidden away behind her ear, just as Sigrid did. Just as the girls from Alcyone did. Hitomi was like them.
Sigrid stifled a gasp and concentrated on standing to attention. "Milady," was all she could say as she bowed again. She found it difficult to look the woman in the eye.
Hitomi Kimura waved her hand dismissively. "Please don't use that ridiculous title. It's a silly custom invented by the local inhabitants—they gave me such a grand title simply because I head the largest of the companies here. But it's a small planet and I suppose they imagine it adds something to the local color."
Sigrid knew there was much more to it than that. The commercial empire that the Lady Kimura had built was responsible for the entire thriving economy on Aquarii, but she knew better than to argue with the woman. "Yes, Mistress."
"That will do in a pinch, but you may call me 'Hitomi-san'…at least when we're alone."
"Yes, Mistress," Sigrid said, resisting an urge to curtsey.
Hitomi turned her attention to the ship behind Sigrid. Her smile widened. "A fine ship. Captain Maalouf tells me you've claimed it as bounty. You don't waste any time, do you?"
Sigrid felt herself flush. "My claim is based on existing regulations, Mistress. I only—"
"Not at all. You're well within your rights. I merely meant to express how impressed I was—that you took the ship single-handedly, and without casualties…that you took such bold action. The Captain was a little…disappointed at losing such a prize, but he'll get over it. Tell me, do you wish to auction it? I'm prepared to offer you a fair price. Our fleet could always use a fine vessel such as this."
Sigrid took a deep breath. Selling the ship to Kimura would go a long way to paying off her family's debt, taking years off her contract. It made logical, rational sense. And keeping it certainly wasn't an option; she could never afford the moorage fees.
But somehow, Sigrid couldn't bear to part with it. She couldn't explain it—she couldn't afford it—but she wanted it.
There was one more option.
"I propose a leasing contract, Mistress."
"Terms?" Hitomi asked, with an interested smirk.
Sigrid pulled her pad out from her pocket, unfolded it, and handed it to Lady Hitomi for inspection.
Hitomi read quickly in silence. Sigrid held her breath.
She had prepared a leasing agreement that would allow her to maintain title to the vessel. The ship would be released for use in the Kimura fleet, who would handle maintenance costs while paying Sigrid a usage fee. A set bonus would be paid should it be used in combat, more if the vessel proved worthy or claimed victory over another.
"I wasn't aware they taught business at the Academy, Sigrid."
"No, Mistress."
"Impressive." Hitomi looked over to Ensign McTeer. "You helped her with this?"
Karen bowed before speaking. "No, Milady. I only instructed her in the guild laws. Sigrid—Ms. Novak prepared the contract herself."
"Very well. Your terms are agreeable." She pressed her thumb to Sigrid's contract and handed her the pad. She stood, scrutinizing Sigrid for a long minute—Sigrid shifted on her feet, feeling quite self-conscious, though maintained her stance at full attention. Finally, Hitomi smiled again. "I hope this won't be the end of your surprises, young one."
"No, Mistress."
"Now, if you will forgive me…" She eased herself carefully into the wheelchair. "This is more exercise than I have had in a long while. You will join me for dinner, of course."
"Thank you, Mistress."
Her attendant began to wheel her away, but she stopped him. "Oh, Ensign McTeer will find you some quarters. Let me know if they are to your satisfaction." She signaled, and the man resumed pushing her along.
Sigrid's crew had watched the whole scene, transfixed.
Lieutenant Lopez broke the silence. "Holy crap! Do you know who that was?"
Karen stifled a laugh. "Close your mouth. You'll catch flies." She linked arms with Sigrid. "I told you we were traveling with a VIP."
"I know, but…"
A waiting ground-car took Sigrid and her crew to the main habitat of the Kimura Enclave. Sigrid parted with them there, saying her goodbyes, sad to see them go. Karen escorted Sigrid to her new quarters.
"Is all this for me?" Sigrid gaped at the suite, which was large enough to accommodate all the girls from Alcyone.
Karen nodded, warmed by the sight of Sigrid exploring the multileveled unit, turning on lights and inspecting the closets and appliances. One wall was filled entirely with a large viewing monitor. Curious, Sigrid interfaced with it and found that she could access thousands of entertainment programs. She hadn't seen TV since childhood. Sigrid paused her channel flipping and stopped on a film. The screen became inhabited with the three-dimensional image of a man and a woman, both completely naked. The man, tall and spectacularly muscled, gathered the woman into his arms and kissed her with a passion that made Sigrid blush. He whispered her name, Sofia, Sofia, and groped her naked breasts. The woman, Sofia, apparently, swooned and moaned with pleasure.
Sigrid sank back into the sofa, transfixed at the images in front of her.
"Gah—I hate that movie," Karen said as she walked past, exploring the suite. "Trust me,
that's the best part."
Embarrassed, Sigrid flipped the monitor off. It was a very good part. She looked back at the blank monitor—she had a strange urge to sit and watch more.
"Here you go!" Karen trilled from the other room. Sigrid followed her in to see what was up. Karen was standing before a wide, walk-in closet that was easily bigger than the quarters she'd had at the Annex on Alcyone. It was filled with clothes—formal military uniforms, combat suits, business wear and dresses and dresses.
"Holy…" Sigrid said, running her hands along the racks.
"Check these out."
Karen held up several boots for Sigrid to see. They were more like the tall-military boots Sigrid was used to wearing, but these were equipped with high-heels.
"They must have read my report," Karen said.
"You told them I'm short?"
Karen snorted a laugh. "They asked me if I knew what you liked. I told them you loved the shoes I lent you—and, here you go." Karen pulled one of the formal uniforms off the rack. "Ooh! You have to try this on."
The uniform consisted of a pair of slacks and a jacket, black with red trim. The outfit was tailored perfectly for her; the pants were tight and zipped at her ankles, but she found she could still move with perfect ease.
Karen opened a drawer, eyes wide as she held up a bra for inspection. "Fancy." This one was trimmed with a lacy fabric and looked quite delicate. Sigrid quickly slipped it on. It felt soft and comfortable, not nearly as practical or as the functional underwear she was used to, but it was pretty and she couldn't help but like the way it looked—and made her look. Even the jacket seemed tailored to highlight her femininity, darting in at her sides and under her breasts, accentuating her curves in a provocative fashion.
Sigrid fastened the high-collar and marveled at the fine tailoring of the uniform. She looked almost as sharp as Ensign McTeer. Sigrid pulled on one of the new pairs of boots; they zippered up the sides, with laces that tied all the way up to her knee. Her pants tucked neatly into them without any folds or bulges. When Sigrid stood, she was pleased to find that she stood as tall as the ensign before her.
As always, Sigrid completed her outfit by arming herself; she chose the two pearl-handled pistols she'd liberated from Captain Oslov.
Ensign McTeer gave a long, low whistle as she admired Sigrid in her formal outfit.
Sigrid laughed affectionately. "What's this?" she asked; her uniform bore no rank insignia like Karen's, but there was a small rectangular emblem stitched into the chest, just above the breast pocket.
Karen leaned closer and examined it. "Campaign ribbon. The Captain must have reported your action against the Morrigan. I've never seen them issue one so fast, though. They've certainly got their eye on you."
Sigrid wasn't sure whether that was a good thing or a bad thing.
* * *
March 9, 2348
The boardroom of the Kimura Corporation stood high atop the central tower of the mercenary enclave. It was a grand, circular room, windowed on all sides, revealing a spectacular view of Enclave and Aetos City. The only means of access was a spiral staircase, leading up from a lounge and reception area one floor below.
The Lady Hitomi Kimura despised having to meet with the Board. She found the bureaucracy tiresome and would love nothing more than to dispense with the lot of them—probably about as much as they'd like to get rid of her. But worse was that she couldn’t negotiate the awkward spiral staircase on her own. Being carried up the winding flight of stairs was humiliation beyond reason and served to remind all members of her weakness.
And then there was her CFO, her main detractor and general pain in the ass, Markus Emerson. Markus was well into his fifties; the Kimura CFO was devilishly handsome. Hitomi couldn't look at him without rebuking herself. She'd made a fatal mistake long ago and let the man get close to her. Though it was all in the past, it remained a thorn in both their sides.
Her security man was ready with her wheelchair at the top of the staircase, but today she refused it. Today she took the seven faltering steps to the head of the conference table—helped along by Sigrid. Hitomi marveled at how easily the girl held her up with an arm around her waist, the other on her elbow.
Two of her men rushed forward with a chair. She waved it away. Today she would stand. It was a small gesture, but she needed to remind her board that she was still in charge, still the CEO of one of the oldest mercenary clans in the Federation.
Hitomi turned to face Sigrid, who remained at her flank, hands clasped behind her back. She felt a great sense of pride as she took in the young woman. Smartly decked out in her formal-dress uniform, Sigrid appeared professional and lethal, despite her small stature and young age. An impressive sight, to be sure. Hitomi wanted the Board to get a good look at her today; she could already see the people before her studying Sigrid closely.
Lady Hitomi tapped her cane to the floor and the room fell silent.
"Thank you all for coming. I've called this meeting to deal with a rather startling development. We've kept the matter classified until now, but I've decided it's time to inform you all."
Hitomi gave them a moment, watching as her directors sat up a little straighter; their bored attitudes vanished instantly, to be replaced by concerned curiosity.
"Seven days ago, inbound from the Aquarii Relay, the Agatsuma was attacked. I shouldn't need to point out the significance of this to any of you. A Kimura ship, in Kimura-controlled space, attacked. This was no random encounter, either. The ship was intercepted by the DSS Morrigan claiming permit for seizure of a cargo of illegal weapons. This is the second attack directed specifically against Kimura and Project Andraste. I don't want any of you to confuse this with the recent skirmishes we've been having with the Independents either. This was a directed attack with a specific target in mind." Hitomi's eyes fell briefly on Sigrid. "However, I am pleased to report that the attack was a complete failure."
Markus nodded. "Captain Maalouf is an experienced line officer, a proven combat specialist."
Hitomi gave her CFO a stern look. "Your proven specialist surrendered his ship and cargo without firing a shot. I'll have you all know that the Morrigan was taken, single-handedly, by this young woman. Unarmed and left on her own, she quickly overcame the enemy, while an entire Corvette-full of our most highly trained officers and crew was forced to surrender…"
"Yes, yes. We're all familiar with the girl's abilities."
Hitomi doubted that very much, but she let Markus continue.
"You say the Morrigan had a permit for seizure? If this is true, it's most disturbing news."
Hitomi nodded. "Indeed, but we can't verify the authenticity of the document at this point; not until we receive confirmation from the Council Authority. Personally, I find it hard to believe that the Council would act against us in this way. Their purpose is to facilitate free-trade between the Corporations, not to interfere. It goes against everything they stand for."
"Does it?" Markus asked. "Isn't this exactly what they tried to do with Daedalus?"
Hitomi felt a knot in her gut; the same thought had crossed her mind.
When Daedalus Corp had first revealed the technology for the Warp Relays, the Council had tried to appropriate the technology in the name of the Federation, 'for the betterment of the humankind'. But everyone knew it was just an attempt to control an important new technology, possibly the most significant development ever.
The Council had argued that no one company should control such an important technology, but Daedalus had refused to surrender control. Scars from the conflict could still be seen all over the Earth and in the Orbital Colonies. As a means of truce, Daedalus had sworn neutrality, and for the last forty years an uneasy peace had existed. Humanity had expanded through the galaxy and many, many corporations had grown rich beyond avarice. None more so than Daedalus.
Again, Hitomi nodded. "As insane as it might sound, we must entertain the thought that the Federation Council has designs on Andraste."
Shinji had been sitting quietly next to his mother, but this was too much. "That's impossible! The Council would never dare. They have no direct jurisdiction over us. On what grounds could they possibly justify such an attack?"
"Do they need justification?" came the disturbing question from Dannette Kirsch, one of Kimura's principal shareholders. "If they really wanted to appropriate the girls, would we be in a position to oppose them? Are we even certain this wasn't just a ruse on the part of Dalair Military?"
"No, we're not sure of anything at this point," Hitomi said. "Captain Oslov maintains that the permit is legitimate, and the directive came from the CTF. I have no reason to believe the man, but I can't imagine why he'd wish to implicate the Council in this fiasco."
"This might actually make some strange kind of sense," a young man offered from down the table. "We've been monitoring the chatter between ships coming in-system. It's not just the one girl—there's talk of bounties on all the girls."
Hitomi shook her head wearily. "That anyone should even know of any of them—of Andraste—illustrates that we suffer a security breach in this organization. The ship that attacked the Agatsuma knew our flight schedule. They should never have been allowed to lie in wait for our forces like that."
Admiral Simpson swallowed and looked meekly up at the CEO. "My apologies, Lady Hitomi. We've since positioned several ships around the relay. That breach won't happen again."
"I should hope not, Admiral. I also propose we take extra steps to guard the facility on Alcyone. With your approval, I'd like to send the Third Destroyer squadron to Alcyone immediately."
Markus glared at her. "Are you mad? Our naval forces are already committed under contract. And now you'd have us expend even more resources? This project has been nothing but a drain on this company for more than a decade. And what has it brought us? Nothing—except that we've been financially hamstrung. The ranks of our creditors grow, while our list of allies grows thin. It's time to cut our losses. This entire project is a disaster and will surely bring ruin to the Corporation."