“Magnum, go find the parts we need,” Ben told him. “That’s acceptable to everyone, right?”
“Of course,” Webb said. “Our facility is at your disposal.”
Ben stepped close to his big friend, giving him the cred chips to buy the parts.
“You know what we need?” Ben asked.
“Sure,” Magnum said. “But take a second thought on signing that contract.”
“What? Why?”
Magnum lowered his voice. “Because if you’re the inventor of a new technology, then it will be much more difficult for the Imperium or anyone else to simply make you disappear as if you never existed.”
Ben looked at his big friend. They had come aboard the space station with two objectives, and Ben hadn’t even considered that there might be more benefits to be gained than simply pleasing General Pershing. He had no illusions about the Brimex Corporation. They didn’t care about him, and they would never broker a “fair deal.” But that didn’t mean there wasn’t a benefit to signing a contract and insisting it be made public.
“Okay,” Ben said. “I’ll see to this. Get us a wave generator. More than one if you can.”
Magnum nodded, then left the room.
“What do you say, Ben? Will you let us help you?” Webb asked.
“Okay,” Ben agreed. “But I have some conditions.”
“This is outrageous!” Holt said jumping up.
Corporal Dial moved so quickly that it surprised Ben. He was behind Holt in a flash. His hands came down on the older man’s shoulders while simultaneously pushing the rebel’s chair forward. Holt collapsed into it, his head ducking as if he expected a blow.
“The first condition is that we sell it to whoever wants to buy,” Ben said. “Imperium military or Confederacy interests.”
“Of course,” Webb said. “That’s standard practice.”
“You can’t do this,” Holt said. “That technology is Confederate property.”
“What do you know about it?” Ben asked. “You used us, Holt. Don’t try to deny it. You sent the video of the Echo saving your operation in the Bannyan system all across the galaxy without a thought to how it might affect our lives.”
“That’s not true,” Holt said.
“I’ve seen it,” Corporal Dial said.
“And when the Imperium put a price on our heads, you shuffled us off to hide and sent Professor Jones with us. You were killing two birds with one stone, Holt. Getting rid of two troublesome liabilities so you could continue your war without distraction.”
“That’s not true,” Holt protested. “I knew your experience played right in the professor’s area of expertise. I had every reason to believe your collaboration would pay off.”
“I don’t buy it,” Ben said. “You never believed the professor’s theories would amount to anything, but once it did, you want to take the credit. Not this time.”
“You’re a traitor,” Holt snapped, but he didn’t try to get up again, and Corporal Dial stayed behind him.
“Call me whatever you want,” Ben said. “But the truth is we’ve done more for your so-called Confederacy than you could have ever dreamed. So now we get to call the shots. And if signing over the shield technology will give us even a modicum of safety when this is all over, I’m going to do it. Because if I learned anything from your rebellion, Holt, it’s that I can’t trust your Confederacy to protect us.”
“Sometimes sacrifices have to be made,” he said, sounding defeated.
“You have other requests?” Webb asked.
Ben spent the better part of an hour hammering out the fine print. In return for eighty-seven percent of all sales, the Brimex Corporation would design, build, and distribute flux shield components for artificial gravity generators. Ben knew there would be mountains of red tape from the Royal Imperium watchdogs, but Brimex would deal with all of that. All Ben had to do was sign the contract and send over the specs for the shield.
Webb called in a notary and even made a video of Ben signing the contract. Their share of the profits would be divided between the five members of the Echo’s crew and held in interest-bearing accounts overseen by the Brimex Corporation.
It was a one-sided deal, Ben knew, but he was counting on the intangible benefits, not just the financial windfall. There was a war coming, and Ben would have to survive it before he could even think about making money from his design. And Brimex had the clout to get things done, along with the connections needed to move the products.
Most importantly, Brimex agreed to make an immediate announcement about the deal, including a write up on Professor Jones’s work in the field of gravity and black holes. It would also name the five members of Ben’s crew so that they had a measure of safety from the Royal Imperium. The press release would also mention their ship and the fact that by working with the Royal Imperium military, all charges against the ship and crew had been dropped. It wasn’t exactly true, but Ben hoped he could sway public opinion in their favor before the Imperium had a chance to smear their reputation.
“So what now?” Holt asked. “You ride off into the sunset?”
“No,” Ben said, tapping the com-link on his collar. “Magnum? Any luck?”
“I’m waiting on a vendor who may have some,” Magnum said. “If this doesn’t pan out, I’ve got one other lead, but this isn’t a common component.”
“Yeah, I was afraid of that. Just do the best you can. We’re taking Holt back to the ship.”
“Roger that,” Magnum said. “Watch that old snake.”
“Don’t worry. Dial has his number,” Ben said with a grin.
Webb didn’t care to stick around once he had a signed contract. He wanted to get Brimex engineers on the Echo, but Ben refused. They could have his designs and notes on how the shielding worked on the Kestrel class ship, but the technology would have to be adapted for more modern vessels and their size and artificial gravity output taken into account. Having the engineers on the Echo would only make Ben’s life more complicated and wouldn’t really help them in designing a marketable version of the shield.
Webb left promising that Ben was going to make a small fortune. Holt went with Ben, and Corporal Dial went back down the docking arm of the space station.
“I suppose your friend is really just an Imperium lackey,” Holt grumbled.
“Corporal Dial is following orders,” Ben said. “Surely you know something about that.”
“You love having the upper hand,” Holt said.
“What I love is making sure my crew is safe. We aren’t in this for the money.”
“No, but you used to claim you refitted that old ship so that you could escape the Royal Imperium. Now you’re a card-carrying member of the most oppressive regime in the galaxy.”
“Does he really believe all that bile he’s spewing?” Corporal Dial asked.
“Holt is one of a kind,” Ben said.
“Would he have really set off that bomb?” Dial wondered.
“You’re damn right,” Holt declared.
“He brought an explosive gas onto the Echo, disguised as Zexum fuel for the fusion reactor,” Ben said.
“Holy crap,” Dial said. “I guess he was serious.”
“He was,” Ben said. “But I’m not so sure about his associates.”
“They would have done it,” Holt said. “You can kill me, it won’t matter. But if I don’t make contact with my people soon, they’ll make sure your precious ship never leaves the dock.”
“Because you have ships in the system?” Ben said. “Ships with weapons capabilities.”
“Of course we do,” Holt said.
“Good. I’m sure they’ll come in handy.”
Holt looked at Ben with a strange, suspicious gaze, but it didn’t bother the younger man. For the first time in a while, Ben was beginning to feel like he had a modicum of control over his own life again. And that felt good.
Ben’s com-link beeped, and Magnum’s voice came through as if the big man were s
tanding right beside Ben.
“We’re in luck. They have three wave generators.”
“Do they work?” Ben asked.
“That’s what they’re saying. They want fifty credits a piece for them.”
“Do it and get back here. I’ll test them on the Echo.”
“You’ve got it. I’m on my way.”
Yes, Ben thought to himself. Things were finally turning his way again. And he was determined to make the most of it while he could.
Chapter 44
The empire was gathering its forces for a full-scale invasion. That was the good news. Grubat was happy to know his discovery was being taken seriously. His offering to the priests had paid off. The bad news was that Algonny Outpost had been named as the staging area, instead of New Krah. Grubat wanted to get a firm hold on the pristine world he had discovered, and to do that he needed warriors, workers, and even priests. They would build, explore, and lay claim to the entire planet. From there, they could launch offensive all across the new galaxy, but that dream was slipping from his grasp.
The priests had convinced the other warlords that it was better to mobilize on their side of the portal. Grubat didn’t think it was necessary, and while the Krah weren’t known for caution, they were known for protecting their own interests. Staging at the new planet would have given Grubat’s reputation a significant boost. Still, he was certain that it was only a matter of time before the leaders of the empire saw what Grubat could see in the undefended world he had claimed. A new home for their people, a new beginning for the entire empire.
“Your son has landed,” Yarl Hassik informed his chieftain.
“Good. We shall make our mark on this world. Are your preparations to take their settlement underway?”
“Yes, my lord,” Hassik said.
“Excellent. Glory awaits, Hassik. You shall see.”
Slaying cowards was not glorious, but the humans were rich in technology and resources. They were intelligent, but not as advanced as the Krah. They had not yet considered how their technology could extend their lives or strengthen their warriors. They preferred to fight from a distance, flinging weapons at their enemies rather than looking them in the eye.
Perhaps there was little to this race of humans, but it seemed as if their reach was far. And if they had weapons that could harm Krah ships, taking the galaxy from them could be difficult. Twice the En’Galla had tried to take the small ship that had crossed through the portal, only to have their grappling arms crushed by an invisible source. And while the ship had fled the system, it had returned despite Grubat sending a vessel in pursuit. That ship, the Gra’Dal, had not returned. It was an indication that there was more to the human species than it appeared. Grubat wanted to fill the system with Krah vessels and ensure that they controlled the portal to the new galaxy, but his peers among the empire would have to be convinced.
“I’m going to question the other prisoner,” Grubat said. “What is the status on the one called Le Croix?”
“He has been enhanced as you ordered,” Yarl Hassik replied. “Our workers have added to his legs and replaced his eye. The spinal nodes are being prepared to match his anatomy. They will make the final improvements soon.”
“He is surviving the treatments, then,” Grubat said.
It was a testament to the man’s strength. Grubat had wondered if he could survive the enhancement process at all. The body could only take so much, but Le Croix was enduring and that was a good sign. Once he realized the capabilities of his enhanced body, his mind would be open to other improvements. The priests would convert him to the true faith, and the warriors of Grubat’s Thralldom would ensure he was strong. Perhaps then Le Croix might be useful to him. Grubat had grand plans, but his biggest obstacle was the vast size of the galaxy. He needed a map and information about the human holdings across the stars. They could plot flights to other stars and explore the new galaxy, but that would take decades, perhaps centuries. Worse yet, it would leave them exposed to an enemy whose knowledge of their galaxy would give them an edge over the Krah. Grubat needed to level the playing field.
He went down through the levels of his ship, stopping once more at the open hatch. Night had fallen, and the forest was dark, but not quiet. The air was filled with the sound of insects chirping and nocturnal wildlife slinking through the woods. They were curious about the newcomers, just as Grubat’s Worker caste was curious about them. The chieftain breathed in the cool, fragrant air, and decided that he would move his command post outside as soon as the workers could transfer the communications gear. It seemed wrong to be huddled on his ship when the entire world beaconed to him.
After taking in the night air, Grubat walked down the hallway to the prisoner’s door. He pressed the button to open the hatch, which slid aside. The human was curled on the bench, asleep.
“Arise!” Grubat growled.
The human screamed. The sound was disgusting. And once the screaming ended, a pathetic diatribe began as the man begged for his life. He was weeping and whining, with liquid leaking from his eyes and nose.
“Silence,” Grubat said.
The human whimpered but stopped talking. Grubat’s tendrils waved with agitation. He could smell the man’s fear, as if his bloated body had already begun to decay.
“What are you called?” Grubat asked.
“I-I-I am... I am... Godfred. I am the crown prince of the Royal Imperium.”
“You will speak only when I ask you a question,” Grubat said.
“Of course, of course,” Godfred whimpered.
The Krah chieftain considered what Godfred had said. The Krah had no kings or princes. They were ruled by whoever had the strength to keep his followers in check, and the resources to keep them happy. But Grubat was not unaware of the concept of royalty. Godfred might be lying, but if he was a ruler, then he would have knowledge that Grubat needed.
“You rule this system?” Grubat asked.
“This and many others,” Godfred said. “My people fill the galaxy. They will pay a great reward for my freedom.”
Grubat held up his hand, and Godfred fell silent. There was some relief in that. At least the babbling, craven lump knew enough to shut up when told to.
“How do your people travel among the stars?”
“By spaceship,” Godfred said.
“But how do they navigate?”
“We have a network,” Godfred explained. “We can log on and plot our course. It is updated hourly so that our ships know what obstacles to avoid.”
“You lie,” Grubat said.
“No, I swear it. I’m telling the truth.”
“You lie about it all. You are no ruler. You are a coward.”
“I’m the prince,” Godfred said in a weak voice, almost a whisper.
“Prove this claim,” Grubat said. “And I shall contact your people and arrange for your release. For a price, of course.”
Grubat could not believe how easily the human prisoner was manipulated. Godfred actually stood to his feet, a look of rapture on his face at the very thought of being released.
“Yes, of course. How can I prove myself to you?”
“Show me this network,” Grubat said. “Show me how your people move among the stars, and we shall know that you rule this great race called human.”
“Of c-c-course... I c-can do that,” Godfred stammered. “Whatever you want.”
Grubat wanted to laugh, but he held his mirth in check. It was too easy to take advantage of the poor fool. But if he spoke the truth, the entire galaxy would be laid out for the Krah to take, system by system. Riches untold, glory beyond imagination, it was at Grubat’s fingertips. All he had to do was reach out and take it.
Chapter 45
Ben led the way into the cargo hold. General Pershing was waiting at the railing on the main deck. Holt wasn’t the first rebel she had laid eyes on, but it was rare to see one’s enemy up close. The old feeling rose up inside her as she watched the traitor amble across the open
cargo hold as if he didn’t have a care in the world. Her Special Forces teams had slaughtered thousands of rebel fighters but had lost their share of good men and women too. Pershing knew she would have to control her emotions as she worked with the Confederates. She was doing her best to think of them as legitimate members of a sovereign political power, but her old feelings made it difficult.
Ben was leading the man up the stairs. Pershing reminded herself that she needed his help. She found it odd that facing an enemy in battle was easier than negotiating with one. Still, offering the rebels amnesty in exchange for their help with the alien threat had been her idea. If it was distasteful, she had no one to blame but herself. Once the fighting was done, they would surely clamor for independence, but that would be a political problem and she would gladly allow the conniving politicians to handle it.
“General Pershing,” Ben said. “This is Holt. He’s been my primary contact with the Confederacy of Free Planets.”
Holt looked at her with loathing, but she kept her own emotions hidden. She hadn’t expected anything less from the rebel leader, but his lack of self-control made him appear weak in her eyes.
“It is good to meet with you, Holt,” Pershing said. “I’m sure Ben outlined our position with you. Our offer is legitimate—amnesty for your help against the alien threat.”
“He’s skeptical,” Ben said.
“Very,” Holt added.
“I expected as much,” Pershing said. “But we have a common enemy, and I think everyone can agree that securing our galaxy is the highest priority. This is an opportunity for your movement, Holt. You want freedom. I can’t give that, but I can give you blanket amnesty for all acts of treason and terrorism against the Imperium. Once the alien threat is neutralized, you’ll be in a strong position to negotiate for independence.”
“Negotiate for independence,” Holt repeated. “Well, aren’t we the lucky ones?”
“What do you have to lose?” Ben asked. “Even if the Imperium goes back on their word, you’re no worse off.”
“Except they’ve used up all our resources,” Holt said. “If this alien threat is real, you don’t think they’ll do the fighting, do you? Not when they have us to use as cannon fodder.”
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