by Ryk Brown
“Did they say who they are?” Jessica wondered, “or who they’re working for?”
“We’ve only spoken with this guy so far,” Jokay told her, “but he’s not telling us much.”
“He did tell us they were hunting for bears,” Mori added, smiling.
Jessica squatted down in front of the man they had been interrogating, staring him in the eyes. “That’s cute.”
Vladimir came over, tossing his jacket onto a nearby cargo container. He looked at the man and began speaking to him in Russian. The man replied in the same language, appearing to speak more freely than he had with Jokay, but still sounding less than cooperative.
“What is he saying?” Mori asked.
“Shush,” Jessica warned Mori, listening to Vladimir’s conversation.
Nathan and Kit came up to stand beside Jessica and Vladimir. “Is he telling you anything?” Nathan asked as he removed his coat.
The man suddenly looked as if he’d seen a ghost. “Bozhe moi.”
Jessica noticed his reaction. “I’m pretty sure he just recognized you,” she told Nathan, looking at him.
Nathan waved. “Hi there.”
“You are supposed to be dead,” the man exclaimed, still in shock.
“If I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard that,” Nathan joked.
“How is this possible?” the man asked.
“That’s a long story,” Nathan replied.
The man finally got his wits back, and curiosity took over. “Why are you here?” He looked around at the others. “Why are all of you here?”
Nathan looked at Jessica. “Should I ask him?”
“Couldn’t hurt,” Jessica shrugged.
Nathan sighed. “We’re looking for Aleksi Rusayev. I don’t suppose you know him?”
The man cast a suspicious look toward Nathan. “Why are you looking for this man?”
“I believe that we have similar goals. Do you know him?” When the man did not respond, Nathan spoke again. “It’s a simple question. Answer it, and you’ll be one step closer to being released. Do you know Aleksi Rusayev? Yes or no?”
“Mozhesh yemu doveryat,” Vladimir added.
The man studied Nathan, still uncertain.
“What did he say to him?” Effrin wondered.
“He told him he could trust Nathan,” Jessica replied.
Finally, the man decided to answer. “Da. I know him.”
“Great,” Nathan exclaimed. “Now we’re getting somewhere. Can you take us to him?”
“Da,” the man replied, realizing that playing along with them was his best chance at escape. After a pause, he added, “But you must release my men.”
“Fair enough,” Nathan agreed.
“And return our guns to us,” the man added.
“Nice try, bear hunter,” Jessica laughed.
“I’m afraid I’m going to have to agree with her,” Nathan said. “However, I’ll be more than happy to return them to you after we meet Aleksi.”
Jessica leaned in closer to Nathan, keeping her voice low. “We’ll have to keep them overnight.”
“That’s right,” Nathan sighed.
“If we do not return, they will send others,” the man insisted, having overheard Jessica’s comment.
“Our rover isn’t really equipped for icy roads,” Nathan told the man. “We have to wait until morning.”
“We have an air shuttle just over a kilometer from here,” the captive explained.
“Well then,” Nathan exclaimed, “let’s go meet Mister Rusayev, shall we?”
* * *
General Telles stepped up to the open hatch to the captain’s ready room aboard the Aurora. “Am I intruding?” he asked before entering.
Cameron looked up from the view screen on her desk. “Of course not,” she assured him, gesturing toward the chair opposite her.
“I heard about the drone launches from Takara,” the general began as he entered. “I assume you are making every effort to locate them.”
“We’ve dispatched the Falcon to search for them,” Cameron told him. “I’ve also notified Rogen Command to put defenses on alert for both the Rogen and Orswellan systems.”
“What about SilTek?” the general asked as he sat.
“I sent word to them myself,” Cameron sighed. “For what good it will do.”
“Then you do not believe defense is possible?” the general surmised.
Cameron leaned back in her chair. “Possible? Yes. Unfortunately, it depends on how far away from the target the weapon comes out of its final jump.”
“Then you are assuming it is a weapon?”
“I don’t see how we have much choice.”
“Agreed.”
“Honestly, the best chance we have is to find the drones first and destroy them en route,” Cameron told him. “If we wait until they are terminal, our chances of intercept drop dramatically.”
“Have you informed Captain Scott?”
“Not yet,” Cameron admitted. “I figure he’s got enough on his mind at the moment. Besides, we aren’t even certain the drones are weapons.”
“I believe he would want to know either way.”
“Yes, but there is nothing he can do about it at the moment.”
“What do you intend to do?”
Cameron took a pause. “If they are comm-drones, then technically we’re already doing the only thing we can. Nathan ordered the Dusahn to stay within their own territory. He said nothing to them about comm-drones.”
“And if they are weapons?” the general asked.
“Then we destroy them. Hopefully before they reach their targets.”
“Should we not destroy them even if they are only comm-drones?” General Telles suggested.
“Trust me, I’d love nothing more,” Cameron agreed, “but I don’t think that would sit well with the other worlds. If the entire idea of our alliance is to allow all worlds to govern themselves as they see fit, should we not allow the Dusahn to govern their world as they see fit?”
“A fair point,” the general agreed. “However, I am not certain that it applies in this instance.”
“Perhaps.”
“Why would the Dusahn wish to communicate with the suspected target worlds?” General Telles wondered. “Other than to contact covert operatives, of course.”
“We’re not even certain what their destinations actually are at this point.”
“Well, if they are bound for either the Rogen or Orswellan system, contact with operatives is their most likely goal. They may even be planning on deploying a covert jump comm-relay satellite. That could be what is contained within the additional mass at the front of the drones.”
“I hadn’t thought of that,” Cameron admitted.
“If the destination is SilTek, and the drones are not weapons, then they may be trying to make diplomatic contact with SilTek.”
“To what end?” Cameron wondered.
“To acquire the same technologies that SilTek has provided us,” the general explained.
“You think they would try to purchase tech from SilTek? How would they even know they’re in the business of selling technology?”
“I know we are assuming the Dusahn followed the jump trail of one of our cargo ships back to SilTek,” General Telles said. “However, for the sake of discussion, let us assume that they already had intelligence on SilTek. Perhaps they already knew about SilTek’s corporate society. If so, they may hope that offering them a higher price than we can afford to pay would procure them favored status, as well as a technological advantage over us.”
“That would not be very Dusahn-like,” Cameron opined.
“Neither is struggling to survive,” the general countered, “or allowing someone to make overt threats against them without retaliati
on.”
“So we’ve essentially backed them into a corner,” Cameron surmised. “They have no choice but to try to negotiate their way out.”
“I should remind you that the tarka is at its most dangerous when it is trapped and feels threatened.”
Cameron looked at him a moment. “I’m guessing a tarka isn’t exactly a fluffy bunny?”
“Most definitely not,” General Telles replied.
CHAPTER TEN
The ride in the air shuttle reminded Nathan of the first time he had ridden in a Corinari air shuttle. In fact, he was pretty sure that the technology had come from Corinair, since he hadn’t remembered anything like the shuttles on Earth when he was a cadet.
Although Nathan had initially agreed to release all the prisoners, Jessica had convinced him to keep them in custody as a safety net. The only reason they had released more than one of them was because Sasha, the man who had agreed to take them to meet Aleksi, did not know how to fly the air shuttle. Rather than figuring it out for himself, Nathan decided to play it safe and wake up Sasha’s pilot as well.
Nathan looked out the window, catching a glimpse of their destination. The sun was already behind the nearby mountains, and the approaching city of Klyuchi was twinkling in the twilight.
Kit leaned forward from the seat behind Nathan, speaking in hushed tones. “Has anyone considered that this might be a trap?”
“You see, I’m not the only one,” Jessica whispered to Nathan.
“You saw the guy’s reaction when he recognized me,” Nathan reminded them.
“He could just be a good actor,” Kit suggested.
Vladimir leaned forward as well. “Aleksi will not harm us.”
“You mean he won’t harm you,” Jessica corrected.
“I’m with Vlad on this one,” Nathan insisted. “There is no reason for Aleksi to harm us. He’s bound to know what a threat my existence is to Galiardi.”
“Pretty good reason to hold you hostage,” Jessica explained.
“Come on, Jess.”
“That old ‘enemy of my enemy’ stuff doesn’t always work, you know,” Jessica added.
“We will be landing shortly,” Sasha warned from the cockpit.
“I guess we’ll find out soon enough,” Nathan told them.
“I am telling you, he will not harm us,” Vladimir reiterated.
Nathan looked out the window again as they passed over what appeared to be an industrial area. They came to a hover above a large, fenced-in area behind a large building, then descended straight down, kicking up dust as they landed.
“I don’t like the looks of this,” Kit said, noticing how dimly lit the area was.
The air shuttle’s ducted fans spun down, and once the dust had begun to settle, the two men in the cockpit opened their doors and climbed out.
Jessica was the first of the away team to step out of the air shuttle, pausing to look around the yard where they had set down. There were barrels stacked along one side of the yard next to a couple of large delivery trucks, with a half dozen cars parked on the opposite side.
“How does it look?” Nathan asked as he stepped down next to Jessica.
“Like a perfect place for an ambush.”
“You are so suspicious,” Vladimir said, climbing down next.
“That’s why I’m still alive.” She turned back toward Kit as he climbed out. “Eyes open, head on a swivel, Kit.”
“Always,” Kit assured her as he jumped down.
“You will leave your weapons in the shuttle,” Sasha directed.
Jessica smirked. “Not a chance.”
“This is not negotiable,” Sasha replied, standing firm.
“We still have your friends, you know.”
Sasha glared at her. “They are ready to sacrifice themselves to protect Aleksi.”
Jessica stepped up, getting in Sasha’s face.
“Jess…” Nathan said, urging her to back down.
“No……weapons,” Sasha repeated, standing firm.
Jessica stared him directly in the face for a moment. “Fine,” she finally agreed, taking her sidearm out and placing it on the floor of the shuttle’s cabin. “I can kick your ass just as easily without them, bear boy.”
Sasha smiled and laughed. “I like this one,” he declared. “Follow me.”
“Bear boy?” Nathan commented as Jessica passed, following Sasha.
Sasha and the pilot led them across the yard and through the back door of the building. Inside, there was a large main room full of distilling equipment. The facility seemed devoid of workers, all of whom had probably gone home for the night.
“What is this place?” Kit wondered.
“It looks like some sort of distillery,” Nathan commented.
“Aleksi was always making his own vodka,” Vladimir explained. “Maybe this is all his?”
“Makes for a pretty good cover,” Jessica added.
Sasha and the pilot led them to a connected room, stopping at the open door.
“You will wait here,” Sasha instructed.
The away team entered what appeared to be a small break room, complete with tables, chairs, and a small kitchenette.
Sasha turned to leave, intending to close the door, but Kit stopped him, grabbing the edge of the door.
“The door stays open,” Kit warned him.
“This is not negotiable,” Jessica added, smiling.
Sasha smiled back. “As you wish,” he replied, turning and walking away.
Kit moved to the door, watching the men leave. “We’re going to need a plan if this goes sideways.”
“Nothing is going sideways,” Vladimir insisted.
“I’m sure you’re right, Vlad,” Nathan said, “but a plan in case it does wouldn’t hurt.”
“Kit and I will flank the door,” Jessica told them. “If they come in armed, Kit and I will deal with them.”
“What do you want us to do?” Vladimir asked.
“Duck.” Jessica moved over to the door next to Kit. “Someone’s coming.” She stepped back so as not to be noticed, briefly peeking back around the door frame. “I count four. Sasha, the pilot, and two others.”
“Weapons?” Kit asked, taking position up against the wall on the right side of the door.
“None visible,” Jessica replied, positioning herself on the opposite side.
A man in his forties entered. He was followed by another man of the same age, along with Sasha and the pilot. The first man smiled broadly upon seeing Vladimir. “Vlad!” he exclaimed, his arms outstretched.
“Lyoha!” Vladimir replied, hugging his old friend.
The man pulled back to look at Vladimir. “I could not believe it when Sasha told me you were here! Now I understand how your people were able to find me! You look well, my friend,” he added, patting Vladimir on the cheek.
“As do you, Lyoha. I see you found a way to make a living from your little hobby.”
“It is nothing. It pays the bills and keeps me out of trouble.” He turned to Nathan. “I see you brought a ghost with you.”
“Aleksi, this is Nathan Scott. Nathan, this is Aleksi Rusayev.”
Aleksi stepped over to Nathan, taking his hand. “I have never before met a dead man,” he commented, shaking Nathan’s hand vigorously. “It is an honor to meet you.”
“The honor is mine, Mister Rusayev,” Nathan replied.
“Ah! Call me Aleksi!” Aleksi insisted with a dismissive wave of his hand. He looked at Jessica and Kit, standing on either side of the door. “And who are these two standing by the door, ready to pounce?”
“This is Lieutenant Commander Nash, my chief of security and tactical officer,” Nathan introduced. “And this is Sergeant Vasya of the Ghatazhak.”
“The Ghatazhak?” Aleksi said, surprised. “I ha
ve never met a Ghatazhak before, either.” He nodded politely to them. “It is an honor to meet you both as well.”
“I have to admit, I am quite surprised that you are so willing to meet with us,” Nathan told Aleksi.
“Who am I to ignore fate?”
“Fate?” Nathan asked.
Aleksi put his arm around Vladimir’s shoulders. “The only person in the galaxy who would know where to find me, and he just happens to be working with the one man who could save our world…again? If that is not fate, what is?” He released his friend and moved over to a nearby table, leaning against it. “Tell me, Captain, why have you sought me out?”
“I was hoping we could help one another,” Nathan replied.
Aleksi crossed his arms. “How can I possibly help you?”
“Intel has it that you lead a group of insurgents who oppose Galiardi’s rule,” Jessica explained. “They say you have been attacking EDF assets on the surface.”
“You are mistaken,” Aleksi insisted. “I am but a simple businessman.”
“Lyoha,” Vladimir objected, “we do not have time for this…”
“If I were this leader you seek,” Aleksi began, interrupting his friend, “I would be suspicious of you all, even you, my old friend. How do I know that you are not EDF spies?”
“Because I say so, Lyoha,” Vladimir told him.
Aleksi began pacing across the room, thinking.
“How do I know that you are not a spy?” he asked Vladimir. “Surgeons can make a man look like any other these days. Even like dead men.”
Vladimir stepped over to Aleksi, leaning in close and speaking in hushed tones. “Would a spy know that you peed your bed until you were eight?”
Aleksi shot Vladimir a sidelong glance.
“And would he keep his voice down so as not to betray his friend’s trust?”
Aleksi looked over at Nathan, thinking. “Suppose I was this leader you speak of. What would you ask of me?”
“I was hoping that you might have some ideas about how to bring down Admiral Galiardi,” Nathan told him.
One of Aleksi’s eyebrows shot up. “Then it is all true,” he surmised.