Chapter 14

Alden Duryss threw his napkin at the table in front of him. “You know, Mr. Ardevol, I was just beginning to enjoy your company. As lovely as this dining experience has been, you know that’s not good enough.”

The lanky, gray-haired man across the table sat up and squared his shoulders. “Then we will need to find a compromise, Consular. The workers cannot maintain this pace. The Union is threatening to strike. We’ve already raised overtime wages to the limit of what our board will allow.” His voice had grown loud enough that heads of other diners turned in the direction of their private booth. He stressed in a quieter voice, “We must maintain profitability.”

Duryss remained unfazed. He looked around, taking in the tasteful decor of the restaurant in which they dined. It had a boorishly upscale ambiance that looked much like any other high-end restaurant of this backwater Hyades region. It lacked the opulent creature comforts he enjoyed in Imperial restaurants. The Imperials knew upscale interior design like no one else. “If Energy Interstellar cannot meet the demand, I know of a dozen Imperial manufacturers that can supply the composites. They have access to a workforce that can deliver sufficient quantity,” Duryss paused. Then added, “…and on time.”

“Well, of course, they have a slave labor force.” Ardevol sounded exasperated.

“Indentured servants,” Duryss corrected patiently.

“Whatever you call them, we have no hope of competing against that.”

Duryss took the glass of dark violet Caelian Whiskey in front him, then swirled it below his nose to sample the nutty aroma. It was potent. There was, however, a delightful hint of vanilla. After a small sip, he placed the glass back on the table and interlaced his fingers.

“Mister Ardevol, I brought this deal to Energy Interstellar in the hopes of keeping economic growth here, in the Hyades. It is still my preference. But, if you cannot meet the demand, I’m forced to look elsewhere. We cannot risk any delays to the AX defense program due to component shortfalls. You’ll either get your workers to work, or find new workers that will.” Duryss watched Keto Ardevol shift uncomfortably in his seat.

“You’re asking us to take a loss.”

“I’m asking for you to grow a backbone and force your workers’ union to the table. Make a deal.”

Ardevol shook his head in disbelief. “The Union reps have made it clear they will fight any production rate increases in formal grievance proceedings.”

“Then it’s a simple misunderstanding.” Duryss smiled. “Quite easy to resolve.”

The thin framed man perked an eyebrow at the comment. “What would you have us do?”

“It’s a simple matter of helping them understand the stakes. More hours to meet the new production rate targets, or they lose their jobs.”

Adervol gasped at the insinuation. “Consular! I cannot believe you would suggest… It’s… That’s entirely improper! We will not break Sirius Law. We would be liable for–”

“My dear Keto, I’m not suggesting you terminate employees who refuse more hours.” Duryss calmly picked up his glass of whiskey and swirled it in front of him. “I know your market position. If your company loses this contract, Energy Interstellar files bankruptcy and closes the doors. Everyone loses—you, the union, the workers, their families… The citizens.” The open mouth gape of his counterpart confirmed his suspicion. He took a large sip and savored it—the delicious taste of victory. “You don’t want that. I don’t want that.”

A look of resignation fell across Ardevol’s wrinkled face. He’d been outmaneuvered, and he knew it. Duryss could see it all over him. “We’ll increase the production rate and honor the terms of the contract. Somehow I’ll make the union understand.”

Duryss nodded in appreciation and stood to make his way out. “Fabulous! I knew we could arrive at an understanding.” He extended his hand to the scrawny Energy Interstellar representative. Keto Ardevol stood up and shook it in the old art of an honorary deal.

“This has turned into a delightful evening indeed. I particularly enjoyed the roasted kurrin.” He picked up his drink and downed the remaining Caelian Whiskey.

“It is a revered delicacy here in Chelum. Boswell Hub has the best in the system.” Keto said, still looking and sounding stunned from the agreement he entered. He walked with Duryss to the front of the restaurant with aides beside each of them. “I will convince our people that it’s in all our best interests to deliver on schedule. Consular, thank you for making the trip. I do hope you can visit us again.”

It sounded anything but sincere to Duryss, but he ignored it. He got what he came for. “As do I,” he replied. “It is a wonderful installation you have here. I’d hate to see the Thargoids lay waste to it. Once Boswell Hub is outfitted with new AX turrets, you’ll have safeguarded the investments your people have made here. I’d love to return for a longer stay. Please give my thanks to your staff for their exemplary hospitality. Sadly, there is no time on this trip for sightseeing. I wish you well. For now, I must return to business on Sietae.”

“Of course, Consular,” Ardevol bowed his head.

With his entourage gathering beside him, Duryss made his way to the exit. The guards led the way out of the low-lit atmosphere of the restaurant into the bright upper-class neighborhood of the habitat ring. The light of the red star in the distance came through the enormous transparent metal covering of the habitation ring.

There was a large group of people gathered outside. It was a mix of supporters and small pockets of protestors outside the restaurant. At the front of the crowd, several reporters were angling to try to intercept them.

His guards pushed through the crowd, creating space for him to move through. A reporter on his left shoved a datapad at him and shouted, “Consular Duryss, can we get a comment about the Thargoid incursions closing into Hyades?” The young woman was pushing against others, trying to get her datapad positioned to record a quote.

Her tenacity caught his attention, and the question gave him a perfect opportunity to address the crowd at large. “Yes. The reports are accurate, and they have pushed closer and closer. That’s why my defense initiatives are vital. I want every citizen to know their government is doing everything it can to protect our way of life against Thargoid incursions.”

A mix of cheers and boos erupted from the crowd.

“Thank you, Consular. And what do you say to opponents that believe you’re only using the crisis to boost corporate profits?”

“I say: look at their arguments. They admit to the crisis, then spin the story to profits. It can’t be all about profit. Look at my record. Yes, in the past three years, my administration has turned a sleepy economy into a boom; a boom the likes of which hasn’t been seen here since the mining rush at the end of the last millennium. And it is the people, the workers, that enjoy higher wages, more development, more business. At the same time, we’ve been able to outfit a third of the largest stations in this region with new defensive capabilities. We’ve seen the damage the Thargoids are capable of inflicting on installations. We’re protecting our investments in this region to have a safer society that is resilient to attack from any aggressor. Thank you for your questions, that’s all the time I have for now.”

“Consular! Consular! Please, one more question. Just one more…”

He stopped to wait for it, in case it was something he could use.

“What do you make of Hyades Resistance attacks in the region?”

“They are terrorists hell-bent on tearing down all the work and investment that our citizens and I are building together.”

“What about their allegations that your administration is partnering with Imperial corporations to undermine the independent workforce in the Hyades?” The reporter shoved the datapad out.

His temperature and blood pressure rose. His mind raced to find a way to spin her question. “You want me to comment on the accusations of terrorists? Look, we’re working for a better, safer future. I’ll take any partner that will help with that goal.” The reporter had a dubious, unbelieving look about her.

“Trust me,” he continued, smiling at finding the word path out of her cornering question. ”I prefer to work with local industry for construction and fabrication whenever possible. I came from a meeting where I rescued a contract that was going to Imperials, and these terrorists want to accuse me? Do us all a favor, stop listening to terrorists, and report the facts, Miss… ?”

“So, you deny playing favorites to Imperials?” She didn’t take his bait to give up her name as he’d hoped. She was sharp.

He decided a play to the people would be the most effective way to shut down her line of questioning. “We govern a mix of Federal, Imperial and independent citizens in the Hyades. My administration maintains corporate governance with strict adherence to the Sirius Conventions. Our mission is the prosperity of all citizens, regardless of their loyalties.”

“Then how do you explain the record-breaking earnings of Imperial companies? Quarterly statements show independent and Federal corporations are nowhere near the same levels.”

“It’s no secret. Smarter management, cheaper labor, and better facilities in most cases.”

The look of frustration on her face was quite satisfying.

Then an aide leaned in to whisper into his ear, “Consular, we must make it to the ship to stay on schedule.”

“Fine, but I want someone on this reporter. Find out who she is, who she’s been talking to, and what she’s been reporting on.”

The aide nodded and moved back into the rest of the group.

“Thank you, folks. Together we will keep Hyades safe and prospering!”

Duryss pointed to his guards with a gesture toward the transit center. His big bodied guards pushed through the crowd making space for Duryss and his entourage. Although they encountered mixed groups of supporters and protesters, there were no other interruptions along the walkway.

At the transit center, they picked up a monorail shuttle to the docks. Duryss immediately went to his office aboard a gleaming white Dolphin cruiser. Purchased from an Imperial shipyard, it was outfitted with every amenity. The decor had the telltale ostentatiousness of the Empire. No sooner had he settled in and turned on his desk console when the door chime chirped.

He sighed, “Come!”

The door opened to reveal one of his aides. A mature woman with hair dyed a deep purple color.

“Ahh, Melinda. Come in, come in.”

She entered with a purposeful step, carrying a datapad.

“You have something for me?”

“Yes, sir,” she handed him the datapad.

He put on his glasses and scanned the screen. It was a profile of the reporter he met on the street.

“Well, well. Trisha Hinsley. She has been a little busybody, hasn’t she?”

“So it would seem,” Melinda replied. “You’ll find the most interesting topics in the GalNet Reporting section.”

“Yes, indeed,” his mood turned sour. “She’s been sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong.”

The notes showed GalNet database queries for the disappearance of Senator Draden’s missing son, Sylus.

“She’s been looking into your communication with Senator Draden’s office.” There was concern in Melinda’s voice, no doubt afraid the news would upset him.

“Yes, I see.” He drew a breath. “She’ll need to be dealt with. Who do we have that can pick her up?”

“I can file a mission for a merc.”

“No, I don’t want this on the books.”

“Ahh, well, if that’s the case, then I think Colonel Reeves is the obvious choice.”

“Mmm… yes. Though there is the matter of her string of failures.”

Melinda shrugged. “Our other assets are all tied up in operations against the Resistance.”

“Yes, I’m aware.” He adjusted in his seat and considered the matter. Reeves had been a source of much disappointment of late. So much so that he was forced to put her on temporary leave. “Very well. Get me Colonel Reeves. She is out of chances. Perhaps this opportunity will properly motivate her to deliver.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll put in the call.”

“Thank you, dear. That’ll be all.”

Dismissed, she left the office, leaving Duryss to consider his tenuous position. He knew it wouldn’t do to dwell on worry. The situation required decisive action.

He picked the datapad back up and stared at the reporter’s photo. Her long auburn hair framed a youthful face with striking amber eyes. The more he studied the image, the more it gave him a nostalgic reaction.

The photo reminded him of someone he once spent time with. What was her name? He couldn’t remember.

She was a sad story of a once beautiful creature that destroyed herself. He had used his easy-to-acquire drug stock on unsuspecting dates. It became an addiction that destroyed her beauty and her entire personality. Used up, he dumped her for fresh pursuits.

Whatever happened to her? He wondered. Her and her boy. Try as he might he couldn’t remember their names. It must have been the drugs, but that was from another lifetime of partying.

A departure tone sounded in the ship. After a short delay it jolted around him. The landing pad moved them into position for launch. He strapped himself in, readying himself for the loss of gravity.

A second tone sounded before the distant thunking of the mooring clamps released. The ship departed the station, Viper escort in tow. Duryss glanced back at the datapad, looking again at the photo of the reporter and saw the memory of the woman staring back at him. A moment later he caught a flash outside his peripheral marking their jump into hyperspace.

A tone indicated a call coming through. He tapped the console in front of him, and a holofac visage of Colonel Reeves appeared.

“Consular Duryss,” Colonel Reeves had a tentative, uncertain greeting for him.

“Colonel, I have an opportunity to redeem yourself,” he held up the datapad. “That is, if you’re interested in reinstatement.”

”Of course, sir!” She appeared to straighten a bit more at the news.

“Now, understand Colonel—this is it. No more chances. If you fail me in this, I will ensure you never work again.”

“I understand,” she responded, an earnest, committed look on her face. “What’s the mission, sir?”

“The problem is a junior GalNet reporter nosing into my business where she shouldn’t.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I need her taken off the board, quietly. I’m sending you her bio now. We just departed HIP 21280. You’ll find her on Boswell Hub.”

“With lethal force?”

“No. I want her interrogated. Find a charge you can stick to her and bury her in a penal facility.”

“It would be helpful if I can make use of the Decimator again.”

“Yes, of course. Use whatever resources you deem necessary. Just get it done. I expect to hear from you when I arrive on Emen.”

“It will take at least a day to get the Decimator crew assembled and the ship ready for launch.”

“I’m aware. You need to make every moment count. The longer she is out there, the higher the risk for her to undermine our work and empower the Resistance.”

“I’ll get it done, sir. I swear it.”

“I certainly hope so. It is beyond me why I should trust my most important work to someone who continues to fail me. The fact that you’ve been my most trusted military advisor these past few years is the only reason you have this chance.”

“I understand. Thank you, sir. I will complete the mission and earn back your faith and trust, Consular.”

He nodded. “That will be a welcome change, Colonel. Assemble your crew. Good hunting.” He tapped the console to sever the connection. The glowing amber image of Reeves in a salute faded from the holofac display.

The game was underway. He could expect the Senator to begin making his moves soon. He needed that reporter. It wasn’t just to stop her investigation, but as a possible pawn to play against the Senator.

The meeting on Boswell Hub put his plan against the Senator into motion. Energy Interstellar would provide the needed raw components in enough quantity that his team could siphon a small enough amount off of each delivery. As long as they took less than the regular compliance failure rate, no one would be the wiser.

The schematics taken from the engineer’s own databanks on Maia meant they could begin building their own version of the prototype. Only the formulas were missing. His teams had been working on that piece of the puzzle for some time. They had already achieved a partial success. All he needed was enough to provide a convincing enough demonstration to the Senator.

He tapped his console to place a call to the project’s lead engineer. The wait for an answer took an excessive amount of time, testing his already short patience.

“Consular? What- what can I do for you?” It looked as if the man had been in a deep sleep and was still trying to get his wits about him.

“Chief Larenz, I need an update on the prototype conversion models.”

“Conversion models? Oh yes, the thermoelectric models- yes, sir. I can pull them up.”

“I just need to know how long the current models show our fabrications can maintain operation.”

“Right.” The glowing amber display shifted with the apparent movement of the man rising from his bed. “Let me walk into the study and read the latest reports for you.”

The display wavered and distorted as the man’s torso moved about. It finally settled, and the man added a pair of spectacles to his face. He squinted while presumably looking at a terminal screen. The holofac display only showed his disembodied head and shoulders floating above the display projector on the desktop.

“It appears our last tests show 7.8 minutes. We’re running new algorithms to search for other possible parameters. There is a strong belief we can deliver up to twenty-five minutes before heat buildup and degradation of power.”

“Twenty-five minutes would be exemplary, Chief. Can you guarantee that number?”

“It’s only theoretical, Consular.“

“What will it take to get it to twenty minutes?” Duryss pressed for a more doable figure.

The Chief moved his glasses and rubbed at his eyes as if still trying to get the sleep out while thinking about the question. “It’s a matter of permutations. We’re running the search algorithms as fast as we can. Even with machine learning models, we’ve got to eliminate millions of possible parameter combinations.” He moved his glasses back into proper position on his face. “We’d need to bring more labs online. We need more processing power.”

“I see. I’ll dispatch the Vilant. You can use the extra processing and assistants on board to spread the workload.”

“Yes, sir, that should do nicely. Thank you for the extra resources.”

“In the meantime, we’re nearing the last hour. I need this done without a moment to spare. Perhaps you should be working instead of sleeping.”

“Sir, it’s 0250 here, I’ve been– we’ve been putting in all-nighters for the past week. We all need…”

Duryss slammed a fist on his desktop, “You all need to get the work done! Rest when it’s over.”

The Chief looked stunned. “Yes, Consular. I’ll– I’ll wake the staff.”

“Thank you, Chief. Good day.”

He disconnected the call with a tap on the console then smacked his hands together in excitement. Twenty minutes was more than enough to provide an effective demonstration. The prototype was the pivotal piece in the game for both sides.

The Senator wouldn’t make his move until his fleets were outfitted with the device. Delivering a partially working module was the perfect countermove. The emboldened Senator would hastily move his fleet only to have the modules fail while the fleets are deep into the wrong territory. His fleets exposed, Duryss could use the new regional defenses and militia to bring down the Senator’s fleet.

The possibility of becoming a hero by the Hyades people, perhaps even by Li Yong-Rui himself, enthralled him. The Senator, ruined by his own plan, would find himself disgraced—his Patrons forced to abandon him. Ultimately history would remember Senator Draden as a failure.

With his arms on his desk and his hands folded below his chin, a smile took over his face. Beating an Imperial Senator at his own game was a triumph to celebrate. He watched the colors swirl outside the window as they continued hopping from system to system.

Reveling in his plans, he muttered under his breath to himself, “May the best man win.”