by Ryk Brown
“I don’t know, they haven’t told me.”
“I’m a bartender. I’m excited I got this gig. The crowd will be full of rich bigwigs. Tips should be great.”
“I wouldn’t know,” Krispin admitted. “This is my first time.”
“And you got this gig?” Terrence laughed. “Man, you must know someone. That, or you’re luckier than hell.”
“I think I was just lucky,” Krispin insisted. “Right place, right time, and all that.”
“Pray that you get waitstaff,” Terrence said. “Busboys and food servers never get squat, but waitstaff and bartenders clean up at parties like this.”
“Really?” Krispin said, feigning interest. “How much do you think I could make?”
“I’ll probably make at least a thousand,” Terrence bragged. “But, I’ve been at this a while. I wouldn’t be surprised if you walked away with a few hundred, at least.”
“That would be nice,” Krispin lied. “I could use the money.”
The latter wasn’t really a lie. Although Mister Dakota had promised financial payment, in addition to freedom for himself and Sara, one could always use extra cash. He had been living on a company credit card, whose company he did not know. He was always worried that those who had hired him might suddenly change their minds, and he’d be on the run with no cash in his pocket. At least if he had a little cash it would give him options, in case something went horribly wrong.
Krispin watched as, one by one, the people in line before him were scrutinized by the NAU security personnel. Their IDs were checked, their bio-scans were checked against the national and global registries, and they were questioned for several minutes before being allowed to advance to the next station further down the walkway.
When it was Krispin’s turn, it was no different. IDs, bio-scan, and the usual questions: Where are you from? Where are you staying? How did you get this job? Where were you born? Have you ever served in a military unit? Have you ever been convicted of a crime?
Once he cleared the first station, the same process was repeated at the second station. The same checks, and the same questions. Only this time, the interrogator was likely checking his answers against those given a few minutes ago. But Krispin had been mentally rehearsing his profile for the entire trip from Winnipeg, and his answers—although worded slightly differently so as not to appear rehearsed—were the same.
“You made it,” Terrence congratulated, waiting for him just past the second security checkpoint.
“Are we going to have to go through that every time we report for work?” Krispin asked for appearance’s sake.
“To be honest, I have no idea. I’ve never worked anything presidential. It’s pretty crazy, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, crazy,” Krispin agreed, following his new friend toward the main house. He felt a little bad for Terrence. He seemed like a genuinely nice fellow, and under different circumstances, they might actually have become friends. But, after this was all over, poor Terrence would likely find himself the subject of intense interrogation for having been friends with the man who assassinated the President of the North American Union, and the leader of the Earth and the Sol Alliance.
* * *
Only thirty minutes later, Birk, Cuddy, and Michael found themselves being escorted through the corridors of a local jail which had been turned into a Dusahn holding facility. As they passed the various cells, Michael recognized more faces than he cared to. In addition to ex-Corinari, the Dusahn had been busy rounding up as many resistance members as they could track down. One face in particular nearly caused Michael to do a double take, which would have clued the Dusahn that he knew the man.
The Dusahn guards shoved the three of them into the very next cell with enough force to nearly knock Birk to his knees in the process.
Michael took a seat, on the side of the cell, nearest the man he had recognized in the next cell over. He did not make eye contact, again not wanting to tip the Dusahn to his recognition of the man. But it was difficult not to look at his old friend, for he had obviously been beaten severely and quite recently.
“Hello, Michael,” the man said.
Michael’s eyes widened, darting around to see if the Dusahn had noticed.
“It’s okay,” the man said. “They already know who we are and that we know one another.”
“Holy shit,” Cuddy exclaimed. “You’re Jonas Prechitt.”
Michael cast a disapproving look at Cuddy.
“It’s alright,” Jonas assured Michael. “They know everything. Who we are, what we’ve been doing, what we’ve done…”
“How?” Michael wondered.
“They have a device,” Jonas explained. “It makes it impossible to lie. If you lie, you feel pain. Incredible pain. Pain like you’ve never imagined.”
“When you say they know everything, do you mean…”
“Yes. They know the communication algorithm and the encryption codes,” Jonas explained. “Like I said, everything.”
“Then, it’s over,” Michael realized, slumping back against the wall. “We’ve failed.”
“I’m afraid so.”
“I don’t understand,” Cuddy said. “How did they find everyone?”
“Through the comms links you created,” Jonas explained.
“What? That’s impossible,” Cuddy insisted.
“That algorithm was hard-coded into the devices,” Birk reminded them. “There’s no way they got the encryption codes from the comm-units we made.”
“You’re right, they didn’t,” Jonas explained. “They used them to track down the users and then our cells.”
“But…”
“It’s not your fault,” Jonas assured him, cutting Cuddy off mid-sentence. “They left the old nets open on purpose, to lure us into using them. If you hadn’t come up with the idea, another of us would have, sooner or later. They have been monitoring everything. And they have far more satellites watching over all of Corinair than we were led to believe.” Jonas Prechitt leaned his head back, closing his eyes. He was obviously still in considerable pain. “They’ve been playing us all the entire time. They’re a lot smarter than we originally thought. Definitely smarter than the Jung ever were.”
Michael noticed the pain Jonas was experiencing. “If they can make you tell the truth, why did they beat you?”
“For fun, I guess.”
“The sick bastards,” Cuddy exclaimed.
“Be careful,” Michael warned. “They could be listening.”
“I doubt it,” Jonas told him. “They have no need to.” Jonas drew in a deep breath and then shouted, “The Dusahn are a bunch of esani beetles!” Jonas laughed, which immediately caused him pain. But the look on his face indicated that it had been worth it. “You see? Nothing.”
“Aren’t you afraid they’ll beat you some more?” Cuddy wondered.
“Nope. They can’t. Not without killing me. And they can’t afford to do that, at least, not yet. They still have a lot of information they need to get out of me.”
“What shall become of us?” Michael wondered.
“They will offer you a choice,” Jonas replied. “Serve them or spend the rest of what will probably be a short life at hard labor.”
Michael leaned his head back and sighed. “Sorry, guys,” he told Birk and Cuddy.
Birk and Cuddy exchanged concerned looks but said nothing, as they too leaned back against the wall in resignation.
* * *
“Mister Yokimah,” Minister Sebaron welcomed as he came out from behind his desk to offer a proper greeting.
“Minister,” Ito greeted in kind, bowing respectably.
“I trust you are well,” the minister said, after bowing in return.
“My recovery is progressing nicely, thanks t
o the nanite treatments given to me by the Aurora’s medical staff.”
“Quite remarkable technology, those nanites,” Minister Sebaron praised. He gestured to the two sitting chairs near the large picture window. “Please.” The two men took their seats, with Ito pausing to allow the older minister to sit first, as Rakuen culture required.
“A stunning view,” Ito remarked as he took his seat.
“The gardens are especially vibrant this time of year,” the minister agreed. “But surely, you did not call on me to take advantage of my view of the gardens.”
“I did not,” Ito admitted. “Respectfully, Minister, I was wondering about your reluctance to join the Karuzari Alliance. I was hoping you could share your reasoning so that I might understand the situation better.”
“Straight to the point, and with tact and respect,” Minister Sebaron commented, his smile hiding his annoyance that the brash businessman felt his wealth and fame gave him the right to question a duly-elected Minister of Rakuen. “I can see why you have excelled in your business endeavors.”
“I assure you, I mean no disrespect, Minister. I would not normally presume such privileges; however, my sudden increase in celebrity has placed additional pressures upon me. People are asking for my opinion on the matter. They are asking if I agree with your reluctance to accept Captain Scott’s invitation. As of yet, I have not responded, but I cannot do so forever. Eventually, I will be forced to comment, and I would prefer to do so intelligently. As an experienced statesman, I am certain you are considering various consequences, both long and short term, that I could not possibly anticipate. I would very much like to support you publicly, however, based on my current understandings, I find it difficult to do so.”
“I am happy to explain my position to any constituent,” the minister responded, “regardless of their sociopolitical standings,” he added, making sure that his guest knew he was well aware of the businessman’s political aspirations. He folded his hands in his lap and began his speech. “As you are aware, the introduction of jump drive technology into the Pentaurus, Injin, and Rogen sectors has caused considerable change in Rakuen society. Systems which were once outside our sphere of influence have now become partners in our economy. Tourism alone has tripled in recent years. Your company is a prime example of the economic benefits of instant interstellar transit, as your profits have grown exponentially, now that so many more markets are available.”
“All of this is true,” Mister Yokimah agreed, “but if you will excuse my ignorance, I fail to see the connection.”
“While the boon to the economy of Rakuen is indeed welcome, it comes with its own dangers, one of which is the dilution of Rakuen culture and traditions. As you know, our world was founded by those who wished to prevent such dilution. I, myself, was elected by those traditionalists, as I share their same fears. While I cannot stop the interstellar connectivity caused by jump drive technology—nor should I wish to—I can, and I must prevent associations that might damage our culture, our way of life, and our very world.”
Mister Yokimah took a slow, deep breath while he assessed the minister’s words and carefully formulated a response. “While I applaud your concerns for our culture and our world, I fear that such associations, despite their inherent risks, are unavoidable in light of our new interstellar connectivity.”
“Perhaps,” the minister acquiesced, “but would it not be prudent to avoid such risks for as long as possible? Especially, risks that have already been demonstrated to be true?”
“But by avoiding a distant threat, are you not creating an equal one within our own system?” Ito reminded him. “Neramese has been our ally because they needed us to protect them after they were stripped of all military forces by their surrender. Now, they will be given the technology necessary to defend themselves. Technology that can be used offensively, as well, against Rakuen.”
“Of this, I am well aware,” Minister Sebaron assured his guest.
“Are you also aware that should the Dusahn attack the Rogen system again, the Karuzari Alliance, while defending Neramese, will not be obligated to defend Rakuen?”
“Legal obligations are not necessarily the same as ethical ones,” Minister Sebaron explained. “Especially, when you consider that many of our Gunyoki fighters will be in the service of the Karuzari Alliance. Do you really think they would stand by and witness the destruction of their homeworld? Do you really believe the Karuzari Alliance would risk losing the support of those Gunyoki fighters by refusing to protect Rakuen during an assault on this system?”
“So, you’re attempting to obtain the protection of the Alliance, while not directly inviting the wrath of the Dusahn.”
Minister Sebaron nodded.
“A dangerous gamble,” Ito said. “A clever one, I grant you, but dangerous nonetheless. Again, I must raise the question about the Nerameseans. The balance of power within our system will be changed, and it will be in their favor.”
“I doubt the Karuzari Alliance will allow Neramese to attack Rakuen,” Minister Sebaron said. “Such would not be in line with Captain Scott’s moralities.”
“Then you believe him to be a man of peace and honor.”
“As much as I believe any man to be of such.”
“Do men of honor not stand for something?” Ito asserted. “Do they not risk their own lives and fortunes for the good of all?”
“They do,” Minister Sebaron agreed.
“And is this also not the way of the Gunyoki?” Ito reminded the minister.
“When given no alternative, yes. However, I have found what I believe to be a reasonable alternative; one that balances risk and reward far better than simply joining the brave young men and women in shiny uniforms, and standing against evil.”
“But the Dusahn are evil,” Ito argued. “Surely you see that.”
“What I see is an entity that believes they are doing what is right for their people. It is quite possible, in fact, that they believe they are doing what is right for all people. After all, most leaders did not consider themselves to be wrong, nor did they consider themselves to be evil. Even those who knowingly committed atrocities against humanity usually believed that the ends justified the means.”
“But equipping our Gunyoki fighters with jump drives will greatly increase our ability to defend ourselves against, not only the Dusahn but, all else who may wish to impose their will upon us,” Ito argued.
“And we will get jump drives on our Gunyoki fighters, even without joining the Karuzari Alliance and declaring ourselves as enemies to the Dusahn.”
“And what about the jump missile batteries?” Ito asked. “Without them, our fighters will not be able to defeat a full-on Dusahn attack.”
“We can build our own jump missiles, Mister Yokimah. Jump drive technology is already available to us. It has been since Ranni Enterprises filed for patent protection with our world.”
“That would be a violation of their patents,” Ito insisted.
“Need I remind you, that in a time of crisis, all such patents are available for use by the Rakuen government?”
“That might work for the jump drive,” Ito agreed, “but how long will it take us to develop our own jump missile batteries?”
“Our spy network on Neramese is vast,” Minister Sebaron replied. “And there is no shortage of Nerameseans who would willingly provide us the information we need, for the right payment. Just like the Dusahn, we shall acquire what we need to ensure our survival.”
Ito stared at the minister for a moment. “And you see nothing wrong with that?”
“What I feel is right or wrong is of little consequence,” Minister Sebaron replied. “My obligation is to ensure the well-being of the people of Rakuen, even if that means doing something that I consider to be legally, morally, or ethically wrong. That is what is required of
a leader.”
“What is required of a leader is to adhere to the laws, ethics, and moralities of those he or she represents,” Ito argued. “With all due respect, Minister, whether or not Rakuen should join the Karuzari Alliance is not a matter for you alone to decide. It is a matter that the people of Rakuen should decide.”
“In times of crisis, and in times of war, Rakuen law grants the ministry considerable latitude in such matters,” Minister Sebaron defended.
“I am well aware of the details of Rakuen law, Minister, and I do not believe the current situation meets the criteria to grant your office such latitudes.”
“Mister Yokimah,” the minister said, attempting to interrupt the younger businessman.
Ito chose to ignore protocol, refusing to yield to the elder statesman. “The intention of my visit this day was not to challenge you, Minister, but to understand you. Unfortunately, now that I do, I find that I have no choice but to oppose you, and to do so quite publicly. Furthermore, once the Karuzari Alliance is made aware of your plans, I’m sure they will take precautions to ensure that Rakuen will be unable to gain access to jump missile battery technology.”
Minister Sebaron cast a menacing gaze at Ito. “I should warn you, Mister Yokimah, that your threats could be considered treasonous, and I would be well within my power to have you arrested this day.”
“And I should warn you, Minister, that both my wealth and my sudden increase in popularity among the people of Rakuen would make me a difficult adversary, come the next elections.”
“You threaten the inevitable, Mister Yokimah,” the minister replied with a confident smile. “You represent the youth of Rakuen, those who look to the stars from whence we came, instead of keeping their eyes, and their hearts, on what we have and protecting it for future generations. You represent the very attitudes that forced our forefathers to leave their world behind and start anew. I shall oppose you, Ito Yokimah, with all of the resources available to me. That is why I was elected, and to those who elected me, I shall remain true.”
