Power Games

by David Applegate

  Kaede bowed to Patya and said, “It was a misunderstanding, I apologise. I didn’t think when I made the initial offer to Rudolf that he would cut you out.”

  “You know Rudolf was looking to cancel the contract as you didn’t meet his expectations,” Katerina said. “Everyone knows his prototype V/STOL was a failure.”

  “Still, he should have trodden lightly,” Patya said.

  “No. Rudolf told you the guns were too heavy. You’re lucky he didn’t ask Dain or Viktor to develop a new gun for him, because you know they would,” Katerina said in a loud, cheerful voice, she winked at Kaede and said to Patya, “Would they offer you a chance to stay in the game?”

  “We all make mistakes. I shouldn’t have assumed you were squeezing me out,” Patya said through gritted teeth.

  “Are you sorry?” Katerina asked as she caressed her wedding band. She pressed her thumb against the seal.

  “Yes,” Patya replied. Katerina released the bracelet and poked Patya. He grunted, “Kaede, I apologise.”

  “Accepted,” Kaede said.

  “I heard you are developing heavy armour,” Patya said.

  “Yes,” Kaede said, “For my new starships. Working on alloys with a strength ranging from 50 to 100.”

  “You know, in the past, plastic weapons would warp from the heat and jam,” Patya said.

  “I told you it is a metal alloy with some properties of plastic,” Kaede said, “It is further reinforced using beta carbon nano-tubing. The composite material is lighter and stronger than metal.”

  “What is beta carbon?” Katerina asked.

  “An isotope of carbon, that is stronger than regular carbon, but refining it has been a problem,” Patya said.

  “I can scan a segment of carbon dust, find an atom beta carbon in under a minute and then have cold lasers move the dust and pull it out,” Kaede replied.

  Patya raised an eyebrow. “Impressive.” Curious, he asked, “Can you do that with exotic matter?”

  “My team are still working on that. Unlike a regular scoop that has to draw in all material and sort it, I want a complete system that can scan a cloud of cosmic radiation and locate exotic matter. I have another team working on the detection and capture of dark matter,” Kaede said.

  “Forget Dark Matter, the Empire needs gravitons,” Patya said.

  “What is a graviton?” Katerina asked.

  “It is a negative proton particle. We use it to create gravity waves with,” Patya replied.

  “What about antimatter?” Katerina asked.

  “Still too dangerous for widespread use,” Patya said.

  “Why?” Katerina asked.

  “The problem is not identification, but the safe storage of large quantities,” Kaede said.

  “Why?” Katerina asked.

  “To store antihydrogen, we need to change its energy state to low, but if it is exposed to cosmic rays, the particle reverts to a high-energy state. Should it come into contact with normal matter while excited, it explodes and releases a lethal dose of gamma radiation,” Patya replied.

  “We quickly abandoned antimatter as an energy source,” Kaede said, “but work on containment fields has led to improvements in radiation protection. Dark Energy is the future. In its excited state, fusion releases all of its energy and is nearly 100% aneutronic.”

  “Why do you think generating power using dark matter is the way to go?” Patya asked.

  “I have to keep an open mind, but dark matter appears to be stable and can be fused like hydrogen. The only problem with dark matter is it needs to be in a high-energy state,” Kaede replied.

  “Which is why we should focus on antimatter,” Patya said.

  “It’s a glorified battery, and an expensive one,” Kaede said, “It is also an extremely unsafe one.”

  “All high-energy is unsafe,” Patya stated.

  “Which is why all your high-energy projects end up as weapons,” Kaede said.

  “Which we need,” Patya said.

  “We need fuel, not bombs,” Kaede shot back.

  Katerina snorted and put her hand over her mouth. Patya glanced at her and Katerina laughed and said to Kaede, “Your friends are waiting, and I need to have words with my husband.”

  Kaede said to Katerina, “Please take it easy on Patya. He had to put up with my grandfather and Dain taking turns at knocking him down for a long time.”

  Katerina smiled and poked Patya and said, “He is off the hook for now.”

  Kaede waved and said, “Thank you for the lesson and bye.”

  “Bye,” Katrine said, she turned and glared at Patya.

  Patya said, “Bye.”

  As Kaede left, Katerina said, “He is growing up.”

  After the door closed, Katerina slapped Patya hard and yelled, “How dare you insult him like that? Of course, he knows he is different. You seem to be the only one who doesn’t know he built the bomb to make friends with you.” She slapped his face a second time.

  “What was that one for?” Patya asked.

  “That is for not telling me about the deal. I get you don’t want to sell your shares, but you didn’t tell me about the offer,” Katerina said. She slapped his face again and said, “That’s for not telling me about super plastics.”

  “I was trying to develop my own.”

  “For thousands of years, I have put up with you. Most research centres produce nothing. Most of the time, you don’t even pretend to be doing any research; all you do is gather a group of young, impressionable graduates and have wild sex parties.”

  Patya poked her and said, “Most of Kaede’s research is stolen. I don’t know how, but Toshiko’s spy network is giving Kaede’s company thousands of documents and possibly prototypes. So far, no one has reported these thefts. Likely, he stole super plastics from my material research centre.”

  Katerina grabbed his finger and pushed it away. She said, “You have no right to talk about stealing technology.” As Patya raised an eyebrow, she added, “That is right, I know about the Ogre warship. You and the others all got a slice of its technology. You should be more worried about the fact that the Ogres had a warship better than ours.”

  “Takahiro is only engaging in fear-mongering to justify having an armed fleet.”

  Katrine bit her lip and said, “In the past, it might be true,” she took a deep breath and said, “But the Ogres attacked the Exodus fleet with an advanced ship, the time for scoffing has passed.”

  “Oh, don’t get too attached to Kaede.”

  Katerina clasped her hands, smiled and asked, “Why?”

  “Kaede is part of a research experiment in genetic manipulation. When Takahiro is done testing him, he will be shipped off to Merope, and we will be a step closer to having an efficient, loyal, and completely disposable combat soldiers that we can mass-produce using cloning.”

  “How cruel.”

  “Trust me. There is no threat. Takahiro is just trying to frighten the people so he can play hero later.”

  “Kaede’s a nice boy. You should treat him with respect.”

  “Kaede is a laboratory rat. Takahiro only entertains the little freak because occasionally he has a good idea, else he would already be confined to Merope.”

  “Does Hiro know?”

  “Hiro has no idea Kaede is a high functioning sociopath. Even if he did, Hiro would say nothing. He knows if he says too much, his father will get him kicked out of the Navy.”

  “It is not a crime to be gay.”

  “Hiro deleted cockpit recordings of him and Galen arguing the day they lost control of their craft. Destroying evidence, obstruction of justice, and lying to the court of Inquiry. Hiro knows his father has the evidence and can yank his commission.”

  Katerina slapped Patya and said, “You disgust me. Hiro is an honourable man, and Kaede is a good boy. A sociopath does not dance with such grace and beauty, nor play music with real passion and enthusiasm.”

  Patya grabbed Katerina’s arm and held it up over her h
and, lifted her to her toes and whispered in her ear, “I should toss you in a cell and adjust your attitude.”

  “You make a move against me, try to control my thoughts, or harm me, and you will be the one in a cell getting an adjustment.”

  “Oh?”

  “I have enough of YOUR officers loyal to me, and many friends who check on me. If you blackmail me into having sex with you ever again, the public will find out you and Takahiro lied about peak oil to create the fuel crisis to triple fuel prices and control the market.”

  “You cannot prove a thing.”

  “We both know you have evidence on each other,” Katerina hissed.

  Patya twisted her arm, she yelped.

  Outside the door, Kaede listened. Crying, he kicked the door and ran down the hall and went into the music room. Patya let go of Katerina, he went to the door and looked both ways.

  Katerina pushed him aside and walked down the hall. She saw Kaede sitting at the piano, silently moving his fingers over the keys. Katerina closed the door, came over to him, and sat quietly beside him. He smiled at her. She took a handkerchief out of her handbag and wiped the tears off his face. She put her arms around him, and as more tears streamed down his face, she said to him, “You’re not a freak.”

  Chapter 25

  December 8, 11,573 Imperial City.

  Takahiro and Masako in a limousine arrived at Dain Studios on the western side of the city.

  Dain and Abelle, waiting inside, greeted them as they entered.

  “Shame Hiro couldn’t be here. Kaede and Izanami are the favourites to win,” Abelle said.

  “I thought he would be here by now,” Takahiro said.

  “They are on first,” Dain said.

  “When does the show go live?” Masako asked.

  “Already, they show the people arriving, will go over the points table, the best performances of the year, then at 7 pm Abelle will go on stage,” Dain said.

  “It is just after 5,” Masako said. She looked at Takahiro, who said, “He will be here on time.”

  “Where is he?” Dain asked.

  “His last call had him waiting in line for the space lift,” Takahiro said.

  “Surely he could tell them he needs to get to his son,” Abelle said.

  “He is too proud,” Takahiro said.

  “Speaking of proud, Kaede Enterprises is doing well,” Dain said.

  “Ready for the big day tomorrow?” Abelle asked.

  “I may cancel,” Takahiro said.

  “Why?” Abelle asked, “Months of preparation, air traffic has been diverted to give him a three-week window, and now is the best time.”

  “Kaede doesn’t want to discuss it with me. I told him he is a growing boy, and it helps to talk,” Masako replied.

  “Oh, is he in trouble?” Abelle asked.

  “Yes, and as Masako said, I don’t want to discuss it,” Takahiro said.

  “Did he buy another company off you?” Dain snickered.

  “Little brother! Do not be mean,” Abelle said, hitting Dain’s arm. “You need to encourage your son.”

  “Speaking of Abelard, where is he?” Masako asked.

  “Over at the bar,” Abelle replied.

  “Speaking of the bar, let’s get a drink,” Masako said to Abelle.

  “Kaede is getting older, right now he is energetic, but companies will rally against him, turn down offers, he will find it hard to keep paying all the benefits, and he may have to sell off assets to meet obligations,” Dain said.

  “Rare words of comfort, but it isn’t business. I caught Kaede kissing Sora,” Takahiro hissed.

  The room went quiet, everyone looked at him, and Abelard clapped.

  Everyone turned and looked at him.

  “What’s wrong with your son?” Takahiro asked.

  “Kaede has broken his records on academic test scores and record for being the youngest and fastest billionaire, the only thing Abelard has left is his collection of gold medals,” Dain replied.

  “I thought Abelle had the most,” Takahiro said.

  “My son has the most for a male,” Dain said.

  Masako came over and grunted at Takahiro, “Enough with the dick measuring contest. It is embarrassing.”

  ✽✽✽

  Hiro, Freya and Mara stood in the lift, the lift shook and then after a few minutes there was a slight thud, and the doors opened. They headed out the elevator in the arrival terminal of the airport.

  Hiro and Freya headed through the arrivals terminal and collected their luggage. A Hashimoto house guard came up. “Prince Hiro; your father sent us to collect you.”

  “You have a car, waiting?” Hiro inquired.

  “A helicopter,” the guard said. “The studio is on the other side of the city.”

  “Oh,” Hiro said.

  “This way, we are on the roof of Terminal Two,” the guard said.

  “That’s nice of him,” Freya said to Hiro.

  “There’s a fuel shortage, and he is flying us around the city,” Hiro said.

  “Relax,” Freya said.

  ✽✽✽

  Hiro entered the dark broadcast studio and saw Kaede and Izanami on stage. He stood at the back of the studio and watched as Kaede and Izanami glided around the stage. When they finished their dance, they turned to the audience and bowed. Proud, he started to clap. Many people stood, and they gave the couple long and loud applause.

  Hiro sent a text message to his father. “Where are you?”

  A short time later, he saw Freya came up to him. As he came to her, she said, “We’re in the front row.”

  Hiro nodded. She escorted him down the side of the seating.

  They shuffled past Katerina, Emi, Nori, Sora, Akiko, Mako, Miko, and Yuki. Hiro sat beside Takahiro. Hiro leant over and asked, “What was his score?”

  “As the previous year’s winners, they perform the opening dance, and they don’t get scored for it,” Takahiro said.

  “Oh,” Hiro said.

  The board showed a dozen couples. Kaede and Izanami in the first place position. They came on. First, they performed a fast-paced, mixed style dance moves. At the finish, Kaede knelt, and Izanami leapt towards him, and he caught her. Toshiko watched from the wings. In the scaffolding over the stage and around the studio were Knights on duty.

  Sora and Akiko were the first to cheer. Hiro started to clap and saw that Takahiro was giving them a standing ovation. Masako and others all stood cheering.

  The judges gave Kaede 9, 10, 10 and a 9.

  Kaede and Izanami bowed and headed backstage. Waiting in the wings, Lady Toshiko took Kaede aside.

  “Your father has arrived,” Toshiko said.

  “I saw him,” Kaede said.

  “Are you going to tell him?”

  “I don’t know.”

  Toshiko led him to the dressing room and closed the door. “Patya wants me to restrict your time with the girls, and for me, tell your father to punish you.”

  “It was just kissing.”

  “I know, but to him, you’re still a púca.”

  “Everyone else is doing it.”

  “Who is everyone?”

  “Oh, you know what I mean.”

  “I know, but Patya expects to live up to a higher standard.”

  “It’s not fair. You tell me to grow up and try new things.”

  “I also said, don’t do something because others are doing it.”

  “Many teens hold hands and kiss in parks.”

  “Not that many. But I will remind Patya that it was just kissing. But I suggest you tell your father.”

  “You want me to tell him or wait for him to bring it up?”

  “Your father kissed many girls. He was a real heartthrob. He rode dirt bikes on weekends and broke many hearts.”

  “Really?”

  “I will talk to your father. He needs to see you as a young man. His acceptance of you and Sora as a loving couple helps us prepare the public.”

  “Do you know why
my grandfather did not punish my father?”

  “He gave your father everything, and he didn’t appreciate the opportunities. Instead, he rebelled. Hiro married someone he was forbidden to marry, then abandoned her. Many lords see failing as a father is worse than failing in business. Your grandfather was desperate to have Hiro succeed.”

  “But my father is a success!” Kaede exclaimed. “He is a successful starship captain.”

  “Business success.”

  “I see, Grandfather says, in business, reputation is everything.”

  “Because of the wealth cap, most retail stores are owned by the lords. The clan needs them to favour our products, but without a high turnover, most of the wealth will only last a few years. We cannot rely on the Navy; the profits are low and not enough to support the entire clan. So yes, reputation is everything.”

  “Oh,” Kaede muttered.

  “Yes, Oh, indeed. Relax, the people do not care what you get up to in private, as long as you are not using your wand outside of my lab. Are we clear?”

  “Yes,” Kaede sighed.

  “Don’t worry; We have enough dirt on the lords to keep most of them silent. Besides, most of them don’t care if you kiss girls.”

  “Yes, but a few key lords do care. I suggest we give them a peek at the new economic plan and give the Senate a sneak preview of the new car.”

  “Good idea.”

  “Still, until the people are ready, I’ll make sure next time I kiss Sora, the door’s locked.”

  “Yes, the public needs to get used to her as your girlfriend.”

  “Thanks, Toshiko,” Kaede said with a broad smile.

  ✽✽✽

  Bethany sat watching Kaede get the trophy and the winner’s check. She left the box and headed out of the studio. On her way out the front door, she bumped into Abelard, who was smoking at the top of the steps.

  She smiled at him and left, “Mum?” Abelard asked.

  “You’re drunk,” Bethany said as she walked away. Abelard followed her.

  Bethany raced across the street, Abelard called out, “Please. Come back.”

  Bethany raced down the street and into the nearest alley. Abelard caught up and saw the lane was empty. He went back inside and bumped into Abelle. “Why did you run off?”

  “I just saw my mother,” Abelard said.