A Show of Force (5 page)

“Damn,” Master Sergeant Jahal said under his breath as they walked through the makeshift triage area. “The Aurora’s guns fucked this place up.”

“What was the last casualty estimate?” Commander Telles wondered as they walked.

“One hundred and twenty KIA, three hundred and four wounded.”

“Nearly half our battalion,” the commander observed.

“Closer to one third,” the master sergeant insisted, “especially considering that most of our wounded will become combat effective once their prophylactic nanite doses have a chance to do their stuff.” Master Sergeant Jahal stopped and looked around at the civilian casualties lying on the ground, waiting for their turn to be treated. “I don’t suppose you want to know how many civilian casualties there were?”

“Not really,” Commander Telles replied, “however, I expect that Captain Scott will want to know.”

“Last update was just over fifteen hundred dead or unaccounted for, and twice that in wounded.”

“Understood,” the commander said.

“You can expect those numbers to go up over the next few hours,” the master sergeant added. “I’d be surprised if they haven’t doubled by sunup.”

“Such is the nature of war,” Commander Telles replied.

“If we had simply bombed the base from orbit from the start, the civilians wouldn’t have had any warning. There would be a lot more among the dead.”

Commander Telles stopped, turning to look at the master sergeant. “And we would have far fewer dead Ghatazhak. I hope that being around the Terrans has not softened you up, Jahal.”

“Of course not, Commander,” the master sergeant insisted. He stepped closer to the commander, looking him squarely in the eyes. “You know better.”

“Just checking, Master Sergeant.” Commander Telles turned back to continue walking.

“As you should, Commander.”

“I suppose the collateral damage is of concern, in the political sense,” the commander admitted, “considering that the captain will be inviting the people of this world to join the fight against the Jung.”

“My thinking exactly, sir,” the master sergeant agreed, following his commanding officer as they weaved their way through the triage area.

Their course eventually took them away from the triage area, and into the masses of walking wounded, all of whom stared at the sight of the menacing-looking Ghatazhak commander and his master sergeant, in their flat-black body armor, hi-tech battle helmets, and energy rifles slung over their shoulders.

A tired-looking old man, covered with his own blood from a loosely bandaged wound, as well as the blood of those he had tried to help along the way, looked up at the commander as he walked by. He nodded at Commander Telles. “Thank you.”

The old man’s comment caught the Ghatazhak commander slightly off-guard. He turned and looked down at the old man as he walked. “You are welcome, sir.”

“Now, that’s a first,” Master Sergeant Jahal mumbled as they walked. “A civilian thanking a Ghatazhak.”

“Thank you,” another battered and bloody man sitting near the old man added.

Commander Telles nodded at the second gentleman. More ‘thank you’s’ followed as the commander and the master sergeant continued on their path through the injured Coporans. Finally, an older woman just ahead of them called out.

“Is it over?”

Commander Telles stopped in his tracks, looking at the woman for a moment. “Yes, it is over, ma’am.”

The old woman locked eyes with the commander. “Who are you?”

Commander Telles stared at the woman for a moment, considering his answer. “We are with the Alliance.”

CHAPTER TWO

Prince Casimir studied the documents on the data tablet. “The Glendanon has only been back for a few days, and already the Tannan propellant is being tested for use in Takaran and Corinairan propulsion systems?” Casimir looked at his advisors. “I expected it to take weeks to reach that phase.”

“The Darvano and Savoy systems are quite eager to get their hands on that propellant. Especially the Savoy system,” Mister Ullumbrach explained. “Their prices have been controlled by our markets for some time, due to the fact that they have never had the ability to sell their products elsewhere. Now that they have that ability, they desperately need not only ships with which to deliver their goods, but the propellant to drive those ships.”

“But neither Ancot nor Corinair yet have the shipping capacities needed,” Casimir insisted.

“Corinair now has three jump-capable transports, including the Glendanon,” Mister Rostaur stated. “Savoy has but one. However, many of their potential customers from beyond the cluster, such as Palee, Haven, and Volon, are already in negotiations with the Ancotan trade commission. Volon has even dispatched two FTL ships in anticipation of a deal being in place prior to their arrival. They will need to be refueled, hence the urgent need for propellant that is
not
provided by Takaran markets.”

“And that is because…?” Casimir asked.

“If Takaran buyers of Ancotan grains are forced to pay higher prices in order to gain priority over, say, Volonese buyers, they will undoubtedly counter by raising the price of propellant being sold to the Ancotans, thereby increasing the cost of operation for the Ancotans.”

“Won’t that drive up the price for everyone, including Takaran buyers?” Casimir wondered.

“Perhaps, but the nobles do not see it that way.”

“As usual,” Casimir mumbled, “they see only short-term profits, rather than long-term stability.”

“I’m afraid that they are still in what we refer to as ‘imperial mode’,” Mister Rostaur explained. “The nobles are accustomed to dealing with the vagaries of Caius, which could, and often did, change overnight. Thinking ‘long-term’ was to take great financial risk.”

Casimir sighed. “I often wonder how the nobles acquired their wealth and power to begin with, considering their limited thinking.”

“The nobles are not stupid,” Mister Ullumbrach warned.

“Of course not,” Casimir agreed.

“And neither was Caius,” Mister Ullumbrach added. “He lined their coffers and kept them hooked on a steady stream of anti-aging serum. ‘Wealth and long life’… Both were reliable insurers of loyalty.”

“Many wish to see the days of the empire return,” Mister Rostaur added, “not under Caius, of course…”

“But definitely not under myself, either,” Casimir concluded.

Neither of his advisors wished to verbally confirm their leader’s conclusion, but offered agreement by nod of their heads.

“Worry not,” Casimir assured his advisors, “for I have not the desire, financial wealth, nor wealth of productive years ahead of me to lead such fools into prosperity, especially against their very will.”

“If not you, personally, then perhaps your house?” Mister Rostaur suggested.

“Deliza?” Casimir replied, holding back a laugh. “She is still a child. Besides, she is far more interested in matters of science than those of politics and economies.”

“She is quite an intelligent young woman,” Mister Rostaur insisted. “I grant you, she is young. However, that will not always be the case. Besides, if she can understand astrophysics and systems engineering, then she can certainly be taught to understand socioeconomics and interstellar politics.”

“The worst leader a society can have is one who assumes the role by requirement, rather than by choice,” Casimir said, “regardless of their qualifications. I shall not pass that burden onto my children. The people, not the nobles, of Takara will have to figure out a way to govern themselves fairly. The Takar system ceased being a ‘settlement’ centuries ago, and so did its need for a single, all powerful ruler. The concept of nobles and commoners should have been abolished long before I was born.”

“The nobles will never willingly relinquish their positions,” Mister Ullumbrach warned.

“Unless we can convince them that it is their only means of continued prosperity,” Casimir insisted, “perhaps even their very survival.”

Both of Prince Casimir’s aides looked at one another, the full impact of their leader’s words evident on their faces.

“Do not worry, gentlemen,” Casimir assured them, “I am not about to hold a gun to their heads… Although I have considered it on occasion.”

The door to Casimir’s office opened, and a middle-aged man wearing the uniform of House Ta’Akar stepped inside. “Excuse me, sir, but you requested to see Mister Hiller?”

“Yes, indeed.” Casimir looked at his advisors. “Gentlemen, I thank you both. We shall meet again, tomorrow.”

“Of course, sir,” Mister Ullumbrach, the senior of the two advisors, replied as both men rose to leave.

The middle-aged man in uniform pulled the door open widely, allowing Mister Hiller to enter the room while Mister Ullumbrach and Mister Rostaur departed.

“Yanni,” Casimir called, his previously serious tone suddenly becoming lighter and more friendly. Casimir had a genuine liking for the young Terran, as did, he had noticed, his oldest daughter, Deliza. The two of them spent much time together, discussing numerous topics of interest to them both. It was the first time that Casimir had ever seen his daughter interested in anything other than science and technology. He was sure that it was due in large part to the young Terran’s personality. The man was full of life and enamored with knowledge itself, as was Casimir’s daughter.

“You wished to speak with me, sir?” Yanni asked politely as he entered the room.

“Yes, thank you for coming. I hope I didn’t pull you from your work?”

“Not at all, sir,” Yanni assured the prince. “There is really very little for me to do now. I believe that your people are now far more qualified to care for the cores than am I.”

“I see,” Casimir said. He gestured toward a seating area near the big windows that overlooked the city of Answari only a few kilometers distant. “Please, sit.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Then I take it the project is going well?” Casimir inquired, already knowing the answer.

“Quite well,” Yanni replied. “The copy process is nearly complete, and the translation of the data into Angla passed the forty percent mark just this morning. Translation into other languages, such as Takaran, will take longer, I’m afraid. Angla is so similar to English that the translation process is much faster than into other languages.”

“We are all very excited to see what new technologies the Data Ark has preserved for us all these centuries,” Casimir exclaimed. “Much is riding on what is found on those cores.”

“From what little I have seen thus far, I am sure you will not be disappointed,” Yanni assured him.

“Then you have seen what knowledge the Ark holds?”

“Not all of it, of course,” Yanni explained. “However, I have scanned several of the directories, and even read a few of the more discipline-specific summaries… Mostly at the request of Deliza, I have to admit.”

“Yes, she can be quite persistent,” Casimir agreed. “So, based on what you
have
seen, the technologies contained within the Ark are more advanced?”

“Not all of them,” Yanni warned, “but, yes, many of the technologies are far more advanced than anything Deliza knows to exist in the Pentaurus sector, and more advanced than anything known to exist in the Sol sector as well. Of course, the ability to exploit such technologies first requires the implementation of lesser levels of technology, in order to support the more advanced production methods needed. This is why the people of my world decided to establish the Ark Foundation, to better control the release of these technologies to the world. Some of them, if not carefully controlled, could have easily led to our own destruction,” Yanni further explained. “In fact, many believe that the sudden, explosive, technological growth that occurred on Earth is what brought the Jung to our doorstep. So you see, their concerns were not unwarranted.”

“Yes, yes,” Casimir agreed. “Technology often requires wisdom and maturity. Unfortunately, they never seem to be a prerequisite. The Followers of Origin believe that it is this very lack of wisdom and maturity that led to the downfall of humanity due to the bio-digital plague.”

“Many on Earth believe much the same,” Yanni said. “They believe that God brought the bio-digital plague onto them because human technology had already far outpaced human maturity.”

“And who is to say that they are not correct?”

“Others believe that the ability to develop technologies capable of wiping out the human race acts as a self-limiting evolutionary device. If humanity is out of control, and its technology is surpassing its maturity, an event such as the bio-digital plague will serve as a trigger, resetting technological levels accordingly.”

“Interesting concept,” Casimir admitted. A small laugh left his mouth. “I can see why my daughter enjoys your company.”

“Deliza is a delightful young lady,” Yanni said, somewhat awkwardly.

“Yes, she is,” Casimir agreed. “I wonder, at times, if Takara is mature enough, responsible enough to be entrusted with the knowledge contained with those files,” he said, shaking his head in doubt.

“More so than the people of Earth,” Yanni said, “at least from a technological standpoint.”

“I was thinking more about the political and socioeconomic ramifications of that knowledge.”

“I would think that much of the knowledge contained within the cores would change Takara for the better,” Yanni surmised.

“Some of the nobles fear what is on those cores.”

“Why?”

Casimir sighed. “They fear that newer, more advanced technologies might replace the ones upon which their financial successes depend.”

“Even if such technologies improve the lives of every Takaran?” Yanni asked.

“Takaran nobles do not care about every Takaran,” Casimir explained, “only a select few… Usually ones that share their family name. I have no doubt that some would do whatever it took to bury whatever technologies might jeopardize their revenue streams, regardless of the ‘good’ it might do for Takara, or for that matter the entire cluster, as a whole.”

“It is hard to imagine that anyone could be that short-sighted.”

Casimir laughed. “Do not go into politics, Mister Hiller. You will be greatly disappointed if you do.” Casimir leaned back in his chair. “Tell me, how much do you think the nobles know about the contents of the Data Ark?”

“Security at the project is tight,” Yanni insisted, “even more so than it was on Earth. I would be surprised if any information had leaked out.”

“Yet, many of the scientists and technicians assigned to the project are not of my house,” Casimir reminded him.

“True, but it is my understanding that none of them are from rival houses. They are all, as you say, from common houses?”

“Again, true. However, such men could be easily tempted to sell what they know to curry favor from noble houses. Financial reward, appointment of position, even marriage into a noble family… These are all ways that men from common houses can transform themselves into Takaran nobility.”

“I was not aware.” Yanni’s eyes squinted slightly. “However, is it not the intent to share the knowledge contained within the Data Ark with all the people of the Pentaurus cluster? It was, after all, a requirement of the Alliance charter, was it not?”

“Indeed, it was,” Casimir assured him. “However, was that not also a requirement for your ‘Foundation’ as well?”

“It was.”

“And did your foundation share
all
knowledge from the Ark with
every
Terran?”

“As I said, it was decided that the release of knowledge would be controlled in order to avoid catastrophe. However, I do see your point, sir.” Yanni looked at his watch.

“I was sure that you would, Mister Hiller.”

“If there is nothing further, sir. I am supposed to meet Deliza for lunch shortly.”

“Ah yes, we would not want to keep Deliza waiting,” Casimir smiled. “I thank you for your time, Mister Hiller. It is always better to get reports directly from those involved, rather than through digital means. So many of the subtleties are lost.”

“It was my pleasure, sir,” Yanni said as he stood to leave.

Casimir also stood, shaking Yanni’s hand. “Good day, Mister Hiller.”

Casimir watched as Yanni stepped through the open door, and the middle-aged man in uniform closed it behind him, then turned to face his prince. “A bright and honest young man,” Prince Casimir commented as he moved toward his desk.

“Too honest, if you ask me,” the man in uniform said as he too moved toward Casimir’s desk.

“Major Bellen, you do not trust Mister Hiller?”

“I trust him to do what he
believes
to be the right thing to do,” the major replied. “I do not trust him to always know what the best thing to do actually
is
.”

“Agreed. A wise distinction, to be sure.”

“Sire, I know I am only a military man, unschooled in matters of interstellar politics and economics…”

“Soren, please,” Casimir insisted, “I have known you longer than anyone in this house, even longer than Dumar. Do not let the fact that you appear younger than me—despite the fact that I was but a boy when you were first assigned to this house—cause you to forget that you are my elder. After all, this is the third change in administration that you have witnessed, is it not? I would think that you are more qualified than most in such matters. If not by education, then by experience alone.”

“Would not the nobles be more likely to support the Alliance if they knew exactly what technologies were contained within the Data Ark?”

“And if those technologies
did
threaten their financial stability?”

“If given ample warning,” Major Bellen explained, “perhaps even in advance of the rest of Takara, their fortunes could be protected in the face of such change in economies.”