by S. H. Jucha
Ude indicated the holo-vid buried in the center table, and Jess activated it. The table halves separated, and the holo-vid projection face elevated to table height.
“I’d like to show you something I did yesterday,” Ude said. He linked to the controller and directed a recording to the holo-vid.
Jess and Lucia watched Ude take on one of the higher levels of the Colony training program.
Ude moved swiftly through the scenario. He ducked and weaved, eliminating threats. At times, his arm seemed to anticipate the attack, as his Loopah weapon swung decisively with a single hand.
When Ude completed the course, Lucia and Jess glanced at each other. Ude had completed the tough course in an amazingly short time and with great accuracy.
“How many times did you try the course?” Jess asked, suspecting he’d just witnessed the latest in a long line of practices.
“That was my first time,” Ude replied. “I chose the course that you used to test the deck when it came online. By the way, your record of two hundred for two hundred remains. I scored one hundred ninety-six.”
“Where was your error?” Jess asked. Now he was curious about Ude.
“I lost the four points for putting down two grays without killing them,” Ude replied, with disappointment. “I didn’t realize how critical it was to get the shots close to the heads.”
“Who educated you about the Colony?” Lucia inquired.
“No one,” Ude replied. “I watched the commander’s tests of the holo-vid deck.”
“Is this something the two of you want to do?” Jess asked, indicating Petra and Nata with a finger.
“If Ude is going to be a trooper, then I’m going to fly a traveler on the carrier he’s assigned to,” Petra replied. She’d stated it as a fait accompli not a request, and Lucia chuckled at Petra’s adamancy.
“And you, Lieutenant?” Jess asked Nata.
“I’m here to provide moral support for Ude,” Nata replied. “I’ll be returning to Omnia with Alex. Where he goes, there’s danger, and those are the places where I want to fly.”
Jess kept his expression neutral. Ude’s request was unexpected but could be accommodated. Petra’s desires could be managed with Alain, and Nata posed no difficulty. However, the trio was held in special regard by Alex and Renée, which meant their needs required delicate handling.
Recalling a short sequence of Ude’s course captured by his implant, Jess examined Ude’s exceptional hand-eye coordination. “Ude, is what we witnessed in the vid an indication of Jatouche technology or something else?” he inquired.
“My new build is part of the answer, Commander,” Ude replied, “but most of it is courtesy of Alex. I was struggling to control the Jatouche body, and he taught me to combine my mind and my implant.”
“Doesn’t that sound familiar?” Lucia murmured.
Jess played the entire holo-vid course twice. The trio sat quietly, while the commander and the admiral watched it intently.
Petra and Nata had played the vid endlessly. Their oohs, aahs, and compliments had embarrassed Ude.
“Ude,” Jess said, making up his mind. “Think you can keep a squad safe?”
“Like they were my band of clones,” Ude promised.
“Which commander would you wish to accompany?” Lucia inquired.
“Two new carriers have been delivered. Who will command those troops?” Ude replied.
“Menous and Sastisona have individuals who are ready for promotions,” Lucia replied. “Nemanous and Talsoma are each sending two hundred of their troops, Norsitchians and Sylians.”
“Who’ll need the most help?” Ude asked.
Ude’s question elevated Jess’s opinion of the young man. His youthful face belied the harsh experiences governing his thoughts.
“The Sylians don’t work as well in teams, but their sharp hunting instincts and quick reactions save them,” Jess replied, visualizing his time with them. “The Norsitchians have discipline. They keep their squads tight, but they often fail to anticipate the surprise attacks.”
“Then I want a squad of Norsitchians, and I want to train with them,” Ude declared.
“The Norsitchian squads are brassards, and they come twenty troopers to a brassard,” Lucia pointed out.
“A little ungainly, don’t you think?” Ude inquired.
Jess laughed and said, “I’ve always thought so, but that’s the way they’re organized.”
Ude stared into space, while he thought. “Might be better with two squad leaders, and I’ll call myself the brassard lieutenant,” he said, when he stopped his musings.
“Works for me,” Jess said. “Sell it to the new commander.”
“How best to do that?” Ude asked.
“Accept the position of brassard leader, and then work with the troops ten at a time,” Jess suggested. “Your demonstrations on the course should capture the Norsitchian’s interest. Then you can offer your new concept to him.”
Ude started to rise, but Petra placed a hand on his thigh. “Whom should I speak to about a transfer?” she asked.
“Captain de Long and I have other business,” Jess said. “I’ll bring the subject up to him.”
Jess saw Petra’s eyes narrow. His offer wasn’t definitive enough for her. So he added, “I don’t anticipate any issue,” which smoothed her face.
Ude regarded Petra, who nodded. Then he rose, shook the commander’s hand, hugged the admiral, and exited with Petra and Nata in tow.
36: Move the Outpost?
When Ude and the lieutenants left, Jess turned to Lucia and asked, “You’re a shareholder in Omnia Ships, right?”
“Yes,” Lucia said reluctantly.
“I think I understand Alain’s reaction to my response,” Jess replied. “Why do you sound apologetic?”
“I think the largesse from the company creates a privileged category,” Lucia replied. “Even with small shares of the company’s profits, the recipients become wealthy. I’m wondering how individuals might use those credits someday.”
“Are you wealthy?” Jess asked.
Lucia held up a finger, requesting Jess wait. She linked to her personal folder in the outpost’s data center. The controller recognized Lucia’s bio ID and granted her access.
Within Lucia’s financial information were links to two bank accounts. For the first time, she opened the Omnia Ships link and reviewed the latest account report. Then she exited the controller, regarded Jess, and said, “It looks like I am. Does that make a difference?”
Jess shrugged nonchalantly, and said, “Not for you and me, but I’d like to know what you’re going to buy me.”
Lucia laughed. There was relief in her release. “Alain said you should examine your finances. What did he mean?”
“Unsure,” Jess replied.
“When was the last time you checked your account?” Lucia inquired.
“Never have,” Jess replied. “The outpost provides me with everything I need. I didn’t see a reason to check what’s accruing. It’s not as if SADEs and controllers make accounting mistakes.”
“Do me a favor and take a look,” Lucia requested. She had an inkling about what Alain had meant.
Jess followed a par
allel course through the controller to the one Lucia had sought. In his finance subfolder, he saw two links, which surprised him. He accessed his outpost account and examined the accumulated amount. It was substantial, but by no means would he become an investor any time soon.
Then Jess closed the outpost account and eyed the other link. It had an Omnia Ships designation. His implant selected the link and a message appeared. It read: “Commander Cinders, on behalf of Omnia Ships, we, the directors of Omnia Bank, congratulate you. You’re now the recipient of shares of Omnia Ships. The profits are distributed on an Omnian annual quarter. Behind this message, you’ll see your accumulated quarterly statements. May the stars guide and protect you.” The message was from Julien.
When Jess closed the message, the latest quarterly report was visible. His share portion was miniscule, less than a percent. In fact it was zero point three percent of the company.
The tiny amount made Jess feel conflicted. On the one hand, he didn’t know if he wanted to be wealthy, and on the other hand, he thought the risks encountered in rescuing the alliance from the Colony and his efforts to command the outpost might have deserved a little more.
Then Jess viewed the report’s second page, which detailed the credits deposited to his account. It took him a moment to absorb what he was seeing. Then he exited the controller.
“Well?” Lucia queried, seeing Jess’s amazed look.
“I own a portion of a share in Omnia Ships,” Jess replied, trying to grasp what he’d seen.
“Congratulations,” Lucia said, hugging him. “You deserve it.”
“I’m not wealthy now,” Jess replied, shaking his head to clear it, “but in ten annuals, I probably will be. How can such a tiny percentage amount to so many credits?”
Lucia laughed. “The tech to make faux shells was invented by individuals, humans and SADEs, who worked for Omnia Ships. Alex, Renée, and Julien chose to license the tech and design. Every Trident and traveler constructed means a fee is paid to Omnia Ships.”
“How much is the fee?” Jess asked.
“I’ve no idea,” Lucia replied. “I’ve never asked Julien. At the time that I received my shares, I didn’t care how and by whom my Trident shells were constructed. My job was to fight the ships, remember?”
“Do you miss that part of your life?” Jess asked.
“I miss the close camaraderie,” Lucia replied. “I don’t miss the near-death experiences. So many died trying to bring peace to wide swaths of space.”
Jess’s eyes defocused, as he stared into the distance, but it might have been into the future.
Lucia gave him a few minutes. Then she asked, “What are you thinking?”
“I’m imagining all the Trident and travelers that are being constructed in the colonies, at Sol, and in federacy space,” Jess replied. “Those numbers will multiply when the alliance receives the tech.”
“And?” Lucia prompted. His answer hadn’t explained his musings.
“Then I’ll really be wealthy!” Jess exclaimed.
Lucia laughed with Jess, but then she turned serious. “What will you do with those credits?” she asked.
Jess considered his previous thoughts. The future crystalized for him, and he knew what he’d request of the consortium leaders when they returned.
* * * * *
Jess and Lucia’s implants warned them soon after waking that the consortium leaders were due to return today.
Lucia rolled off Jess, where she’d been comfortable, and released a deep sigh.
“The time’s elapsed for the Tsargit council to propose a solution, but, as usual, the members have taken too long to arrive at a decision,” Lucia murmured. She waited for Jess’s response. When he didn’t reply, she turned on her side. “Are you ready for our visitors?”
“Oh, yes,” Jess replied through a long exhale. “The question is whether they’ll be prepared for my conditions.”
“Perfect,” Lucia exulted. “I love a strong offense.” She leapt out of her side of the bed and headed for the refresher.
Jess turned his head. He watched with disappointment as her slender shape disappeared. There was no joining her in the refresher this morning. The day’s deliberations would require his complete focus.
As fortune would have it, Lenson was on duty at the Triton dome console when Nemanous appeared within the platform’s blue light. This time, Lenson was prepared.
“Minister Nemanous, welcome. One moment, please,” Lenson said graciously.
Then Lenson connected to Jess and Lucia.
Jess sent a link to the conference room that had been used before. The special accommodations were still in place. Then Lenson shared the information with the security lieutenant who was on duty.
Right behind Nemanous, the outlines of three enormous figures were highlighted in the platform’s light. Before the entities fully formed, Lenson sent,
“Welcome to Triton,” Lenson greeted the Norloth. He would have liked to welcome them by name and title as he had Nemanous, but that information had never been shared with him.
Over the course of the next hour and a half, Lenson welcomed Tockitak and her mate, Jastitock, in addition to Talsoma and the Sylian rep to the Tsargit, Sonistoma. When the Sylian monarch and her companion disappeared down the ramp, he congratulated himself on his handling of the leaders.
What a job, Lenson thought. Banished was the idea that he’d been assigned a lonely post. Word had it the delegations he’d witnessed meant the distinct possibility that Pyre might receive more gates, which meant more traffic — and more aliens! To make the news more exciting, he’d heard the rumor that one of those new gates might lead to Sol one cycle.
Ophelia had arrived early in the morning and had spent her time aboard the Our People in a meeting with Alex, Renée, and Julien.
“Alex, I’ve spoken to Lillian and the Assembly about the consortium and its proposal,” Ophelia said.
“Did you apprise Jess of the results?” Renée inquired.
“Not yet,” Ophelia replied. She didn’t need her empathetic sense to know Renée’s reaction to her statement. The narrowed eyes signaled her displeasure. “I wanted to hear your opinions about connections outside alliance space.”
“You’ve heard our opinions in this matter,” Alex stated firmly. “Gate connections from Pyre to far-distant races are an internal matter. We welcome Pyre’s participation in this effort, but it’s exclusively your citizens’ decision.”
“President Tuttle, we should remind you that this subject is moot until Mickey and his teams discover how to implement a new dome,” Julien said. “When that threshold is crossed, there will be no limit to the connections that can be made between systems. Furthermore, there’s always the possibility that a gate can be coupled to multiple destinations. However, the technology to accomplish that is most likely far in the future.”
“Is that human or SADE far?” Ophelia asked.
“Regrettably, Madam President, I was referring to SADEs,” Julien replied.
“Is that it? Is that the extent to which you want to entertain this subject?” Ophelia asked, glancing from Alex to Renée and back.
“I, for one, would like to know what Lillian and your Assembly said about gate connections within alliance space,” Renée requested.
“Overwhelming support from both,” Ophelia replied. “It’ll be an interesting discussion with the consortium.”
“We wish you good fortune, Madam President,” Alex said, ending the conversation.
As Ophelia exited the salon, she wondered if Alex would communicate what she’d said to Jess and how he’d feel about her sharing with Alex and friends before him. Then again, she realized it wasn’t going to matter. She expected Alex, Renée,
and Julien to attend the consortium meeting. They would bring up the subject if she didn’t
You better tell Jess what you did, she thought. Clear the air. You’ve fouled it so much lately.
Ophelia’s traveler transported her from the city-ship to the outpost. She met briefly with Jess and Lucia, shared the information about Lillian and the Assembly’s responses, and related that she’d met earlier with Alex, Renée, and Julien.
“Did Alex have an opinion for you?” Lucia asked. She’d expressed her question with doubt.
“No, he didn’t,” Ophelia admitted.
“Imagine that?” Lucia retorted. “When are these doubts about the outpost going to end, Ophelia?”
“I’m trying to protect Pyre,” Ophelia replied. She was both chagrined by her mistakes and unhappy with Lucia’s challenge. A glance at Jess revealed a stoic expression. “What are you thinking, Commander?” she asked. She’d been unable to read his emotions since she told him about Alex’s meeting. He’d shut down his feelings.
“I was wondering if it was a mistake to build the station here,” Jess replied, “and I was wondering if the fleet has the ability to move it.”
“Ophelia, recognize that Pyreans, except for Jess and Aputi, haven’t been in the fights against the Colony,” Lucia said sternly. “You’ve allowed our station to occupy your space, which benefits you financially. But the humans who crew the carriers are Earthers, and most humans operating aboard the outpost are Earthers too. Where’s your citizenry’s commitment to the Resistance and this outpost?”
“Would you really move the outpost, Jess?” Ophelia asked.
“At this moment, if I could, I would,” Jess replied flatly and drily. “I’m tired of trying to placate Lillian and you. I think I understand the frustrations of Envoy Harbour and Captain Jessie Cinders. In my mind, Pyreans are still isolationists. They’ve never truly joined the Tsargit, much less the Resistance.”
“Should I attend the consortium meeting?” Ophelia asked. Her tone expressed defeat.
“That’s up to you, Madam President,” Jess replied formally. “Naturally, as the temporary leader of your planet, you’re invited. The degree to which you participate is entirely up to you.”