McElligott said, “I suggest you both sit down. What she told me actually knocked me off my seat, and it wasn’t just the fact that I was still wet from my shower. I also want you to go to Blue-Blue-Red protocol.”
Stahl went into the captain’s ready room and Cherubim placed a high security privacy bubble around her and both Immortals reported secure protocol.
McElligott had me report again and after I was done, I showed them the ugly worm mask and images from our prisoner.
Stahl did sit down, and Cherubim didn’t say a word. Finally, it was Stahl who smacked his hand against his forehead. “Silly of us to commit billions in assets and countless man hours trying to find the Worm. All we had to do was send out Olafson and his gang and they do it, as a side job, not even really trying.”
Cherubim finally managed to say something. “I’ve tried to capture and expose the Worm for almost as long as he has operated.” Then she laughed. “He fell in love with you? Well, I guess even the Worm had an Achilles’ heel and his was a feisty blonde pirate. I cannot imagine what he was feeling when he found out who you are.”
I didn’t feel like laughing and said, “What is going to happen to him? Will he get some special deal because he is one of you?”
Stahl’s face lost all friendliness. “She has a point there, my old friend. What will happen to him?”
McElligott said, “He will receive a trial and our courts and legal system will decide what will happen to him.”
Cherubim said, “Let’s not be hasty. Captain Olafson made a good point when she said anyone could replace him with a mask like this. I think we should put him on ice first and roll up his organization with one of our agents acting the part before we make it public that we have him. This represents a great opportunity to roll up that organization before it manages to grow a new head to replace the one we got.”
Stahl said. “It goes against everything I believe in, but she has a point. The Worm is buried deep and fighting him is not something I was successful at. He and his criminal organization are an enemy that eludes my methods of fighting and resolving things. It’s not my thing to act in the shadows. This is why I agreed on your current mission. However, I, too, believe we do not have to be in a big hurry and it galls me to admit that it has merit if he stays a little longer in stasis until Cherubim and my old friend can make use of the information you obtained from him.”
McElligott sighed. “If we start to have this kind of conversation with all our captains, we’ll never get anything done.”
Cherubim snickered. “If all our captains deliver this kind of news, we’ll be out of business in a week. Not all your captains operate under the guise of pirates in hostile space, none of them managed to solve the Sin 4 problem, add three new civilizations to our Union and capture the most wanted criminal in our entire history.”
The Admiral of the Fleet smiled and nodded. “That is true; if you count it like that, it sounds even more fantastic. But, say, Captain Olafson, in all that excitement, did you also mention you bought Alvor’s Cove?”
“Yes, sir, it seemed to be a good idea. I am not sure how we can end the misery of the slaves here, but now that we have access to the planet, I think something could be done. Besides, there are strong indications that there is Seenian tech buried somewhere.”
“That was actually quite an elegant solution. I will try to get Captain Sposhtrah and the Minerva to meet you before you leave Alvor’s Cove. I think he is still in the region. You can transfer ownership of the planet to him. He can also take the Worm and whatever else you need to send to us. For the time being, we will keep Alvor’s Cove just as it is, but replace the local authorities with our people, slowly close the place down, and start digging.”
Cherubim agreed. “That there was Seenian tech stored pretty much unprotected and unknown on a bone yard planet, of all places, is quite disturbing news.”
Stahl seemed unable to suppress his emotions completely as the sharp tone in his voice indicated. “Makes one wonder what else has been stored and forgotten, only to bite us in the proverbial butt decades later and stolen or sold for scrap.”
McElligott made a sour face. “It happened under my nose, and I take the blame and responsibility. I have taken steps to remedy this ever since Swybin’s theft exposed this problem. Mothermachine and a team of Bellebee is going through all the storage manifests, catalogs, and reports. We are also physically going through our inventories. Every piece with potential unknown origin will be relocated to a new secure location or destroyed. I am personally supervising it and give you my word something like this will not happen again.”
Stahl relaxed. “Since Bellebee are working on it, I am satisfied indeed. They won’t miss a paperclip. I should be glad it is you who works on a solution instead of scolding you.” He turned to someone outside his visual pickup and then said to us. “One thing is sure, Captain Olafson, your reports are anything but predictable. The next time, I think I’ll sit down myself; the latest one almost knocked me out of my boots.” He was about to terminate the connection then he thought about something else. “Once your current mission is over, girl, you and I will go fishing and then I’d like to hear it all again and in more detail. Stahl out.”
Cherubim said, “I know he doesn’t like or trust me much and perhaps you have similar feelings. His purpose is almost the opposite of mine, but our goals are the same. I promise you there won’t be a fake execution. Vargas will pay for his crimes as everyone would under Union law. The Eternal Warrior sees much of himself in you, but so do I.”
Finally, there was only McElligott. “Well, there isn’t much to add from my end. You certainly keep impressing us. Carry on.”
Chapter 18: Onward
The Minerva made planetfall in the early evening of the second day. That I had a connection to the slave trader was established on Sin 4. So, I was not concerned about our cover as the golden gleaming ship sat down next to us and cargo bridge was established between the ships.
They took possession of the stasis box with the Worm and also took the simple paper document that made whoever held it the owner of the planet. We exchanged a little small talk, and I was a little disappointed that Stahl wasn’t there this time. Of course, I knew he was far away and busy at the Corridor but I still would have loved to talk with the old warrior face-to-face for a little bit.
Captain Sposhtrah suggested that I was seen with him, to further cement my reputation as a ruthless pirate and legitimize our connection, showing others that I was a close associate. So, I accompanied him to the slave market.
On our way, he said, “It is a devil’s circle. I am out here to secretly rescue primarily Union citizens from this cruel fate, but by doing it this way, I am also causing demand. I am very glad you bought this hellhole. Now if we could do something to put the Mulwhur Trading Company out of business, that would reduce this vile trade, at least in this region, significantly.”
“I’ve seen their posters and I heard of them while I was here as a slave myself, but I know nothing about them. Would they not have to close doors after the slave markets are no more? I mean NAVINT and eventually the Union is going to run the planet.”
“They are from N’Ger and all they lose is one profitable outlet. I hate to tell you but Alvor’s Cove is not the only such place.”
Alvor’s Cove slave market was not like the colorful fair-like atmosphere of the pirate’s market we had visited on Sin 4. There were no stalls or vendors.
It was a dusty, open area with steel cages lining the perimeter, an elevated platform and a small crowd of buyers standing before that platform. Despite the paper-dry air, a foul stench hung over it all. The lack of colors, everything in shades of brown and dusty gray somehow underlined the misery and the sad reality of it all.
The cages were filled with every kind of sentient beings. Again, there were many I could not identify, and I was certain some of them never had any contact to the Union. It appeared, however, that almost all of them were of the NiOx b
reathing kind and carbon based.
Captain Sposhtrah was greeted like a GalNet celebrity. A group of Togar greeted him respectfully and so did a group of Karthanians. There were Human customers as well.
One of the Togar said, “Are you teaching a new associate the ins and outs of the business? I have not seen this Human female before.”
“This is Captain Black Velvet. She has been doing business with me for quite a while now.”
“Captain Velvet, you say? Our authorities have great interest in meeting you. It is about that Togar female criminal you purchased at Brhama Port.”
I made a dismissive gesture. “As you can tell, I purchase and sell merchandise all the time. I remember telling one of your commanders that I long sold that female to someone else.”
“Yes, we know of your statement and claim that you sold her to a pirate known as Bloom.”
“No, I did not. I am certain it was Captain Swift. He offered a tidy sum as his appetites are well known. Bloom auctioned that slave on that asteroid base, but he never left Brhama Port, at least not in one piece or alive.”
“Ah, yes, of course, my mistake. You haven’t seen him or heard of Swift? It appears he never made it to Kaliment and hasn’t been seen lately despite the substantial reward. Could he not have been to the Pirate’s Market at Sin 4 after all?”
“I am not his keeper, and he did not share his detailed plans as to what ports he might choose to frequent. People in his line of business do tend to change their minds, especially when certain opportunities arise.”
Captain Sposhtrah’s tongue flickered out of his rigid mouth hole. “I never met this Swift, but I do know the cursed Union descended on Sin 4 and hundreds of freelancing shipmasters fell prey to their heavy-handed attack. If Swift was anywhere near that system, he most certainly found his fate at the end of a rope. Union justice knows only one sentence when it comes to pirates.”
The Togar squinted his eyes and looked down at the Karthanian. “And the same punishment is given when they apprehend those dealing with sentient life. Togar and Karthanians might one day face that terrible enemy and have to stand against this demon of war.”
The cat being turned to face the slave pens and cages. “Should this Swift surface and be seen by any of you, keep in mind that we will award great riches and favors to you.”
With those words, he left us and joined his group.
Moments later, the sales event and auction began. The representative of the Mulwhur Trading Company was, as Sposhtrah informed me, a Turotonk. I had seen one of them before, during the time I had been on Netlor with Deepa. The being resembled a smaller version of a Shiss and had distinct reptilian features. It had larger wings than the flightless Shiss but only one pair of arms. I also knew they were a Thrall species of the Kermac and hostile to the Union.
My Karthanian companion pointed out that this was one of the owners of the Mulwhur company and had been with the business for over 30 years.
Sposhtrah ended up buying almost all the slaves, leaving the Togar only with about 20 they managed to buy in deals they had done before the actual auction. The other slave merchants left empty-handed, openly complaining about the deep pockets of the Karthanian.
It galled me, as I saw the sum of money Sposhtrah paid the Turotonk. He was right, buying almost every slave that was available created more demand. He told me that he was instructed to buy them all by NAVINT command. Normally, he only bought captured Union citizens, but he informed me that NAVINT already had a plan on how to end this practice and business on Alvor’s Cove, but he did not know any details.
Later that day, the Minerva lifted off with her holds filled with slaves and most of the Seenian artifacts. I wondered if Vargas the Worm would really receive his due. I trusted Stahl, but I still had reservations with McElligott.
***
It was near midnight on this side of Alvor’s Cove. The canyon city was busier than usual. The pirates and lowlifes that managed to escape the purge by Union hands at Sin 4 and those who could no longer go there, now flocked to Alvor’s Cove, not knowing that the days of this place were counted as well. There were brawls spilling out of the various bars and taverns onto the paths that winded through these canyon corridors. Brothels and the local Sojonit temple did brisk business.
The news that the ownership of the planet had changed was spreading, but most did not care, expecting much to remain the same. The Local Lord Guards kept collecting the water tax and intervened in the more violent fights, but only to collect a brawling fine. Either by intimidation or by more hands-on convincing. All in all, it was business as usual.
The Turotonk slave merchant was more than pleased. He’d had an exceptionally good day of business.
He had reached his home and office far up Brennan’s Bent where the canyon split into Magi’s and Gobdro’s Arm. It was here where the more upscale businesses and residences were located. The offices of the Mulwhur Trading Company were far up on the left side of the canyon and could be reached by elevator.
Up here, he had a great view down the canyon arm and could partially see past Dagmul’s Fortress, an island-like rock formation, and to the widening canyon arm where the slave market was located.
Due to the nature of this planet and, of course, the business he was in, he relied on very good security. His was provided by state-of-the-art Karthaninan tech and four expensive professionals with a stellar reputation.
But as he walked past the heavy copper-colored doors that gave access to the company’s facilities and his personal apartment, he had the distinct feeling something was not as it should be.
Neither one of his security guards were present. At least two of them should have been on duty. He wanted to turn and leave the offices, as his instincts told him to check out the reason for their absence via communicator and from safe distant. Yet the heavy doors had silently closed behind him and did not open for him.
The Turotonk was not only a slave dealer for many decades but also a deep cover agent for the Ministry of Information for the Kermac. He supplied his masters with the occasional Saresii or Union slave for their research and other sinister purposes. His clawed hand fell on the handle of the modern Kermac line blaster he carried openly in a fast ejector holster, only to find it was deactivated and the ready indicator dark.
He was a true cold-blooded lizard by nature and liked the heat of the day and well-heated premises. But he felt the coldness of fear rise in him and he said, “Who is there?”
He saw the flash of a movement and knew there was someone behind him, but before he could turn, someone pulled a sack over his head, blocking his sight. At the same time, an irresistible force had taken control over his arms and twisted them behind his back. This was more than painful, as his kind still sported the wings nature had given the Turotonk. While none of his kind was still able to fly, the wings prevented his arms from reaching his back, at least not in the way this force was bending them.
He screamed in pain and a voice said, “It appears his anatomy is not suited for this position.”
Another voice he was certain belonged to a Human female said, “Do it anyway!”
With tendons stretched past their natural reach and throbbing pain, his hands were bound together.
He cursed and, past his painful groans, he managed to say, “You don’t know who you are dealing with. I will find out who you are and you will—”
“We know who you are, Nurg the Slave Dealer,” the female voice responded. “Your business partner and your guards told us all we needed to know.”
Then it became silent, and he felt a strange pulling sensation and he passed out.
As he came to, he saw the first light of the local sun. The blindfolding hood was gone, and he found himself lying on the rough floor of a slave cage. His arms were now shackled to a collar around his neck. Outside the cage were two Togar cats.
“Did you buy this Turotonk?” one asked.
The other Togar slave merchant looked at Nurg. “No, I though
t you did. I guess we got one extra being this time. He will make a great gift to the queen’s hunting party. She loves tearing them apart.”
Nurg tried to protest and identify himself for who he was, only to find out there were several layers of tape around his reptilian snout.
Moments later, he and the other slaves were loaded into the Togar ship.
***
Narth looked at me as we returned to the ship and said, “This is technically a crime, you know. Selling and purchasing sentient beings is against our highest laws.”
I said, “We didn’t sell him. It was a gift.”
Har-Hi coughed. “You will need some creative writing to phrase that in the logbook.”
On the fourth day, just as I had breakfast, the Dragon called and told us that Meateater had patched up his engines good enough to make it to Itheamh. Only 20 minutes later, we lifted off and followed the Red Dragon and the Intruder while accelerating to trans-light speed. It felt physically good to notice the fine vibration of our engines working and see the endless darkness of interstellar space on the main viewer once again.
Circuit, who was on the bridge standing behind Shea, looked at her sensor readouts and said, “They didn’t do a very good job on the Intruder’s engines; she’s leaking plasma and the pods are very badly aligned.”
I leaned forward and asked, “Will they make it?”
“It looks like they have the leak under control for now, and if he doesn’t accelerate any faster he should be able to reach Quasi Space. But at the rate he’s leaking plasma, he will be out of fuel before we reach Itheamh and one of us will have to tow him for the rest of the way.”
Everyone but Har-Hi was on the bridge. I sat in the command seat, watching the main viewer, and had a hankering for coffee.
As usual and as if she could read my mind, Yeoman O’Connors appeared silently next to me. I could smell the strong Union Navy Blend that was unlike any other coffee in my opinion. I was already reaching for the usual mug with the Union Fleet logo, but my hand froze midway as I saw what she carried. “Yeoman, what in Odin’s name is that?”
Eric Olafson Series Boxed Set: Books 1 - 7 Page 128
