by Cary Caffrey
"Very well, I accept your offer. I'll prepare a contract."
Selene smiled. "Standard rates should suffice."
Sigrid held her hand out to seal the deal. "Welcome aboard, Ms. Tseng."
* * *
After parting with Selene, Sigrid escorted the Lady Hitomi to her next appointment with the Mercenary Guild. Sigrid was surprised to see that the Guild resembled a private club rather than the stuffy offices of a bureaucrat. The Condottiere had already been notified of the Lady's arrival and was expecting her. She greeted Hitomi and her entourage warmly in the Guild lounge.
"Marylyn!" Lady Hitomi smiled broadly.
"Hitomi, how wonderful," The older woman said, rushing to Hitomi's side and taking her hand while also noting Sigrid at her side. "Is this…?"
"Yes, this is Sigrid Novak. Sigrid, Meet Marylyn Lawther, Condottiere of all the Mercenary clans."
"Milady," Sigrid said, with a deep curtsy.
"Oh, now! None of that here, my dear. We're all good friends. Now, come, let me look at you."
The woman took Sigrid by her shoulders and gave her a quick and appraising once-over before escorting them all to a set of comfortable chairs. Sigrid noted the lovely tea service set out on the low table near their seats, and there was an actual real fire roaring in the brick fireplace!
"Please tell me you're here for a while," Marylyn said to Hitomi. "I do so miss our talks."
"I'm afraid we'll be leaving momentarily. I just wanted to stop by and let you know—"
"If it's about that dreadful business with Dalair—we've heard all about it. It's all the chatter these days. Don't you worry, Hitomi-san, the Guild Heads have already agreed to convene. Dalair will be dealt with most harshly. This business of clans taking contracts against each other must stop. Things have long been out of hand. It's absolute barbarism."
Hitomi sighed. "It pleases me to hear that, but I'm afraid there's more."
The revelation made Marylyn pause her pouring of tea for a moment. "Not more nonsense, I hope."
"Of a different sort. There's a chance the Council may be involved in this."
"The Council? What business is it of the Council to get involved with Mercenary affairs? That just won't do."
"I agree. I'm on my way to a hearing on Earth—I just wanted you to know. But Council or not, if someone is taking out contracts on any of the clans—"
"They must be crushed… Sugar?"
"Please, one spoon."
"Now, do tell me all about these girls of yours," Marylyn said excitedly.
Sigrid found herself quite taken with the very charming, yet commanding, Marylyn Lawther, and after what turned out to be a most enjoyable hour, Hitomi announced it was time for them to depart.
Marylyn cautioned them about the bounty on Sigrid, but Lady Hitomi was confident they would be safe on the station. Vincenze Station had always been a haven for Mercenaries. It was highly unlikely for an Independent group to get aboard with the intention of hostile action without facing the wrath of close to a million angry Mercenaries.
They made one stop on the way back. Lady Hitomi caught Sigrid spying a weapons shop on the promenade. The store was little more than a pawnshop for out-of-work soldiers looking to score some credits, but Sigrid was drawn into its metallic charm. She found one item she couldn't resist. Sitting in what looked like an old umbrella stand, rusted and covered in dirt and dust, Sigrid discovered an old Katana. Despite the neglect, she could tell the blade was of the finest workmanship, its handle was modestly decorated and bound in black leather, with most of its gold inlay worn away. The shopkeeper had been happy to get rid of the relic, so Sigrid picked it up for a song.
Sigrid wasn't as skilled with blades as the other Academy girls, but she knew Suko would love it. She'd deliver it to her somehow.
Hitomi watched with interest as the girl paid for the obscure item. Sigrid wrapped it carefully in a cloth the proprietor had given her before tucking the long two-handed blade in her belt.
"It suits you," Hitomi said.
Sigrid glanced at the blade, a little embarrassed. "Oh it's not for me."
"No? Who then?"
Sigrid wasn't sure if she should tell her, or what the older woman would think if she told her about Suko. Sigrid was growing fond of the Lady, but she had to remember that the woman was Kimura; this was the organization responsible for taking her from Suko.
"It's for a friend," she said at last.
"I'm sure she'll love it."
They made it back to the docking ring without incident. Sigrid was pleased to find Selene already waiting for them. She'd changed into a one-piece ship's suit, much like Sigrid's, though Selene's sported a wide lapel, folded outward and cut low. She wore a lightweight, black pilot's jacket and the high-buckled boots from earlier, along with a large sidearm, holstered at her hip. Dark pilots' glasses covered her green eyes. The smallest suitcase Sigrid had ever seen sat on the ground next to her.
Selene was not alone, either. Standing next to her was a young man—he couldn't have been more than 20. He wore a baggy ship suit, his blond hair cut short.
"This is Rodney," Selene said. "He's the best mechanic in this quadrant. Trust me."
Sigrid studied the boy. "I'm afraid we're already crewed with engineers."
"Those Academy-types? They'll do in a pinch, but our Rodney here…" She patted the young man's shoulders. "He's got a gift. I've never seen anything like it."
"Forgive me, but you look a little young, Rodney," Hitomi said. "Where did you graduate?"
"Graduate, ma'am?" Rodney scratched his head.
Selene laughed. "Rodney didn't exactly do well at the Academy."
"It's not what you think," Rodney said awkwardly. "It's just that…well, I grew up on ships. Classrooms…"
Hitomi smiled. "You didn't think much of the instructors…"
Rodney frowned. "We didn't exactly get along."
"I understand completely. Have you ever worked on one of these?"
Rodney looked over his shoulder out the viewport to the Morrigan. "PS 16c falcon-class patrol ship. Manufactured by Diego Systems: fourteen years old, by the look of it, progressive, fusion-core reactionless drive engines—piece of cake—140 metric ton cargo capacity, dual-mounted rail-gun system with two forward-mounted quad-torpedo launchers, crew compliment of twelve. But, no—never touched one."
Sigrid grinned. "Very well. Welcome aboard. Ensign McTeer will see that you're both quartered."
"I'm sure whatever you have will be adequate," Selene said. "As you can see…we travel light."
After getting settled in, Sigrid took Selene and Rodney on a tour of the ship and introduced them to the crew. Some were surprised at the hiring of the ex-Tarsus officer; others seemed to be relieved to have an experienced helmsman aboard.
She was completely amazed at how familiar Rodney and Selene were with the systems of the small Scout, and it was Rodney, not Sigrid, who ended up conducting the tour, with Selene pointing out some of the more peculiar elements. Sigrid might have been able to tie into the ship's systems directly with her PCM, but it was Selene who understood those systems, and how best to use them, especially in combat situations. Sigrid was feeling better and better about the hiring. Rodney was particularly eager to make several modifications to the engines to soup them up, but the Chief Engineer was outraged at the suggestion. Sigrid hastily declined the offer, hoping to defuse the situation.
"Ready to get underway," Christian said as the two women entered the bridge. Christian had already vacated the helm and Selene now filled the seat, looking every bit the ship's pilot.
"Let me know when we've received clearance from the Dock Master," Sigrid said.
"Confirmed," Karen said from her station.
"Very well. Take us out, Ms. Tseng."
"Aye, ma'am."
Sigrid watched as Selene deftly moved the ship away from the docks, spinning it quickly on its axis and blasting away. Christian had sweated their approach, not exceeding 10,000 kph through the tra
ffic, but Selene handled the small ship masterfully, knifing easily through the crowded corridor of waiting ships and service traffic at well over 42,000 kph.
Christian nodded in admiration. "Nicely done."
"Thanks."
"We're clear of traffic and free to maneuver," Ensign Greenway said.
"Take us to the Relay, best possible speed," Sigrid said.
"Destination, ma'am?" Melissa asked.
Sigrid smiled. "Earth."
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Ninja
April 15, 2348
As the Morrigan entered Earth's orbit, Sigrid could only stare, openmouthed, at the scene before her. Crucis had seemed crowded with the fifty-six ships that surrounded the station, but it was nothing compared to the clutter she saw before her. Thousands of ships lay between her and the blue planet below, with hundreds more already docked at the many orbital stations and docking platforms.
It was far too congested for them to gain clearance to bring the Morrigan down. They were forced to park in orbit and take the São Paulo Elevator, known affectionately as the Lift, down to the planet's surface. Sigrid and Karen accompanied the Lady Hitomi and her security contingent while her crew remained in orbit on the Morrigan. Once on Earth, it was only a short trip on the TGV to Buenos Aires, home of the Council for Trade and Finance.
Hitomi's security argued against her taking such a vulnerable mode of transportation, but the Lady insisted and sat beside Sigrid on the short train ride, marveling at the sights of the old planet as the TGV whipped along, suspended below the elevated rail system.
Aquarii and Alcyone were beautiful and largely pristine; there was nothing to compare with the diverse architecture of the urban sprawl before them. Grey smog hung heavy, mixing in with the mist and clouds that enshrouded everything. There was no end to the strings of modular habitats and towering permacrete structures that thrust their way up into the clouds. Hitomi pointed out the more important landmarks, remarking that many of the buildings lay empty; most people of any sort of means had long since left for new opportunities off-planet. All that remained were the tens of billions of working poor, and the very, very rich elite.
There were no stops between São Paulo and Buenos Aires, so they were all a little unnerved when the TGV shuddered to an abrupt halt. Sigrid peered through the window as the train rocked gently back and forth, suspended below the rails some fifty meters above the ground.
"What happened?" Sigrid asked. "Why aren't we moving?"
Hitomi didn't know either, but she stopped a steward as he passed by.
"Terrorists," the steward informed them, making tisking noises. "It seems they're causing trouble with the tracks again."
"Terrorists!" Sigrid said, alarmed.
The steward gave her a reassuring, if condescending, smile. "Shameful. But don't you worry yourselves. We're quite used to it now. It should only be a short delay." He continued on down the car, happily reassuring the other passengers.
"Terrorists?" Sigrid said again, still not quite believing it.
A man in the seat next to her leaned over and patted her knee. "Happens all the time now. A lot of fuss and bother, if you ask me."
Sigrid looked down on the hand that still lingered on her knee. She jerked her leg away and gave him a sharp look. The man returned quickly to his reading; Sigrid noticed Hitomi's amused expression and smiled.
Just as the steward promised, they were underway in moments. The TGV slowed again as it passed by the area where the trouble had been and Sigrid leaned forward, catching a glimpse of the damage of the surrounding area. Several of the shanty-like structures had been flattened in the bomb blast, yet the track was perfectly intact.
"I guess we got lucky," Sigrid said. If the bomb had hit the tracks…
"Yes…lucky," Hitomi said.
Ten minutes later they were off the train in Buenos Aires. The Lady Hitomi's entourage was quite a sight; mostly because of the Lady herself, resplendent as always in her long, richly patterned gown of deep green and gold, complete with full headdress. Wherever they went, people stopped to look. Sigrid had the feeling she was traveling with royalty, and in a sense, she was.
"We should arrange transportation, Milady," her head of security said, scanning the crowded streets.
"Nonsense. The hotel is only four blocks from here. It's a beautiful day and I would like Sigrid and the young ensign to enjoy the sights. I'm sure Sigrid is quite capable of taking care of me. Isn't that right, dear?"
"Uh…"
"There. You have it."
The man opened his mouth in protest, "Milady…"
Hitomi wasn't having any of it. "You four go ahead and meet us there. Take care of the luggage. We'll be along shortly."
To give him credit, her chief of security argued valiantly for several minutes, but there was no swaying Lady Hitomi's mind on the matter, and the four men eventually took a cab to the hotel.
"They're quite professional, but they do need to lighten up now and then," Hitomi said. "They're simply no fun."
Hitomi motored along in her wheelchair with Sigrid and Karen trailing behind her. "Come, girls; there's something here I think you'll like."
This part of Buenos Aires wasn't that much different from the ghetto in Geneva where Sigrid had grown up. Sullen, weary-looking people filled the streets, mulling about the open markets, combing through the bleak offerings of the merchants. The flesh traders were the most aggressive, attempting to ply their trade on Sigrid and even Hitomi herself—presenting the women with some rather graphic offerings.
Sigrid looked at the girls and boys, some young and frightened, some older and weary, beaten down. She knew she could have easily been sold into such a life, just like many girls in her financial predicament.
"Here!" Hitomi exclaimed, leading the girls into a crowded little shack, glowing with the warm lights from paper lanterns. The air was thick with steam and the wonderful smells of broth and cooking vegetables. "Phong! My good man, you look positively ghastly."
Old Phong ran out from behind his counter to greet Hitomi. Sigrid thought he did look ghastly, what with his scruffy hair, spotted withered hands and awesomely blackened teeth. But his face lit up at the sight of Hitomi and the girls. Cooing and chattering, he ushered them into his establishment and seated them in pride of place by his counter.
Sigrid looked around the little soup kitchen. The place wasn't without its charm—as long as she didn't examine the layers of grease and dirt on the floors and walls too closely.
Hitomi seemed to love it though, especially when the three of them were presented with steaming bowls of delicious-smelling soup. Sigrid marveled at the presentation; the vegetables and meat were cut and layered with such precision and care. The whole time, Hitomi chatted spiritedly with Phong in Vietnamese. Sigrid was surprised that her Mistress was so fluent, then completely astonished to discover that she could understand them perfectly once her PCM executed the programmed language files.
Sigrid's jaw dropped when she saw the tip Hitomi left for the man—he could probably close for the month.
"I simply adore his cuisine," Lady Hitomi intoned. "I always make a point of stopping here."
Sigrid liked it too, and so did Karen, who finished everything, even all the broth.
When they arrived at the Hotel Astrid, it seemed the entire staff was out to greet them, red carpet and all. The hotel manager welcomed Hitomi personally, extending his gratitude for her continued patronage. Lady Hitomi was the epitome of graciousness; as tired as the Lady was, she didn't refuse his offer of hospitality as he escorted her to the private VIP lounge for refreshments. Sigrid had never imagined such variety of foods and drinks even existed. Despite having just filled up on Phong's outstanding soup, she couldn't keep herself from sampling all the fare available, stopping only when she realized how tight her belt had become.
Sigrid groaned, the last morsel of cheesecake perched on her fork, raised halfway to her lips.
"Careful!" Karen cautioned. "
You look a little green."
Sigrid steeled herself to the task and swallowed the last bite. "My mother always said, never let anything go to waste."
Karen chuckled. "Yes, and I'm sure that starving people everywhere appreciate your efforts."
The festive mood was spoiled when another group of people entered the lounge; Hitomi took instant notice. Sigrid saw a darkness descend over the Lady's face.
"Randal Gillings," Hitomi said, wheeling herself in his direction; she didn't even bother feigning politeness. "I thought this was a private lounge."
"If you'll forgive me, Lady Hitomi. I thought it best that I should meet you here."
Sigrid scanned him warily, standing with her arms folded in front of her. His name was Randal Gillings, chairman of the Council for Trade and Finance and CEO of Coran Industries, the single largest conglomerate in the Federation—short of Daedalus Corp. In his seventies, Gillings had the look of a man who had grown well accustomed to getting his own way. Sigrid instantly found him arrogant and unlikable.
Hitomi noticed the sour look on her Sigrid's face; her own expression was similar as she turned to Gillings. "What's on your mind, Randy?" Hitomi said. "The hearing isn't until tomorrow."
"That's what I came here to talk to you about. There will be no hearing."
The statement caught Hitomi off-guard. She stared at him for a moment. "I see."
"I'm sorry you've come all this way," he said.
Sigrid didn't think he sounded sorry at all.
"Aren't you even the least bit curious to see the information I've brought for the Council?"
"I think you'll be far more interested in the information I have for you, Hitomi."
Hitomi frowned. "Out with it, Randy, what's on your mind?"
"All the talk coming through the Relays these days seems to be about you—and not in a good way. There have been…allegations. We find this business of Project Andraste quite disturbing." He looked directly at Sigrid, somewhat distastefully. "Human genetic manipulation? Abducting children? These are grave charges, Madam Kimura."
"And who exactly has made these charges?"