“How are things going with the domes?”
“The first set of supports are in place. We expect to be adding the crown in three days.”
“That’s fast.”
The colonel nodded. “We’ve done this before. The teams are practiced. Much friendlier environment to be working in here, even with the additional gravity.
“There is something else I need to talk to the two of you about though. I had to confiscate your properties. Your land was the ideal location for this first dome. We’ll have to work on restitution at some future time.”
“Happy to give it up for the cause, Colonel. How are the other Bios doing?”
“They’re glad to be back and to have work. I’m expecting this first dome to be complete—that includes plumbing, electrical, and housing—in about four weeks. We already have slugs and stumps waiting for it. We’ll be breaking ground for dome two in a couple days. I’ve given up my ranch for it.”
Tawn winced. “That beautiful home and those gardens?”
The colonel nodded. “It’s the end of the valley and a good strategic location. Dome three will be going in at the southern end. Give us six months and the Retreat will be a heavily fortified colony. We’ve already begun mapping out sets of underground tunnels to connect them together.”
“Mr. Morgan working on rail cannons for you?”
“He is. We’re having a funding squeeze at the moment, but we’ll get through it. If we all have to go off-world to work to pay for those rail cannons, we will.”
Tawn sighed. “We have the credits if you need them. Do you have an estimate from Mr. Morgan as to the cost?”
“He says they cost a half million credits each. We’ll be wanting at least eight per dome.”
Harris smiled. “We’ve got you covered. Open your credit store and I’ll send you more than enough to cover it. Send them on to Mr. Morgan as needed.”
“That’s six million credits minimum. I know the two of you have significant funds, but I would rather not send you to the poorhouse over this.”
Tawn shook her head. “Don’t worry. We have the funds available. I’m sending you ten million so you can keep progress moving out there. If the Earthers do as we expect, we’re gonna be needing more than a few forts. And we’ll be wanting to keep our Biomarine force safe and healthy. I get the feeling that when this war returns it’s not gonna be played by the civilized rules of the past.”
Harris said, “It’s not back yet. Colonel, you have any intel from Eden?”
“We’ve had a steady stream of shuttles jumping out there to take a peek. The most recent was captured and warned to not return. The truce worlds are still free space. We won’t be complying with that demand.
“The latest report is they are pouring a mass of resources and labor into it. The well is operational, the power and cooling equipment are in, and the dome has been sealed. They must have five thousand laborers on the ground already. There’s been a near continuous line of ships landing with equipment.
“How long do you think we have before they start mining?”
“We were kicking around a couple months minimum. But from the looks of their operation, we’re now thinking as few as three weeks. Once done, mining will probably ramp up to full-rate production a few weeks after.”
Tawn asked, “So we aren’t far from them producing a ship a day with the titanium from that mine?”
“Worse. They have camps started at all four major mining sites. Our two-year estimate for them to build up their fleet to equal ours is now at under a year.”
“What? How’s that possible?”
“They have a united empire. All of their resources can be dedicated to this one task. And the reports we’re getting from New Earth say their people are motivated. The Earther war machine is coming to life with a vengeance.”
Harris shook his head. “Meanwhile our politicians are shutting down our ability to fight.”
Tawn said, “That just makes our mission on Eden all the more important. That production will have to be stopped, Colonel.”
“I have a dozen snipers who are willing to be dropped in there if necessary. We pick off a machine operator or two each day and that might at least slow things down.”
Harris set a Haven-produced granola bar down on the table in front of him.
“Mr. Morgan is building a number of those APCs for us. They should have the latest stealth capabilities. Each one might be a good mission house for a pair of snipers or more. That’s if we can get them on the ground without being seen.”
The colonel nodded. “We can get on the ground—at the moment anyway. Scouts have reported the only activity by the Earthers is directly over the mines. If we approach from the other side of that planet we can go all the way down to the surface. Huge oversight on their part as they could prevent that with a single ship.”
“They don’t perceive any threats at the moment. They know our military isn’t planning anything, and when it comes to our team here I’m sure we would just be considered a minor nuisance.”
Gandy said, “I thought you told us the other day they had to be within half a kilometer to detect the Bangor?”
“That’s if she’s sitting still on the ground with her systems mostly powered off. If you’re moving, you become much more visible, unless you’re coming directly at the target. That’s how we managed to hit that flagship cruiser. Came straight at them at a constant speed. Even with that, as you saw, we were lucky to survive.”
Tawn cut in: “If we’re putting sniper teams on the ground there, I’d like to sign up for that.”
Harris nodded. “I think we both go in that instance. You’ll need a spotter and a pack-mule. I can manage those. Trish and Gandy can fly in the Bangor if needed.”
Trish returned a half frown. “I wouldn’t want both of you down there. I mean, I can fly the ship, but I don’t want to be in charge of making decisions.”
“Relax,” said Harris. “All of this is speculative at the moment. If we decide to explore this course of action, I’m sure we’ll be using a single team first. I’m also sure the colonel would insist on that team not being us.”
“That would be a correct assumption,” replied the colonel. “We would have no shortage of qualified volunteers for that duty. A trial run with a single team would be the way to go.”
The conversation ended with the team of five returning to the bunker and further evaluation by the AI. Harris sat in a room by himself.
“Harris, you must complete this level before you can move on.”
“The questions you’re hitting me with are above my pay grade.”
“You only need to answer them to the best of your ability. Please answer the next question.”
“OK. I pick C.”
“Book is to reading as fork is to bogler steak? Is that your final answer?”
“Yep.”
“Please give me a moment to reset the remaining analogous questions to remove any references to food related items. I believe they are skewing the results.”
“I thought you said to answer to the best of my ability?”
“That is the goal,” replied the AI. “However, you appear to be distracted by each mention of items related to eating.”
“Can’t help it. I get hungry. Can we just move on?”
“Please answer the next question on your display.”
“OK, F, all of the above,” Harris said.
“How is it you feel a cat is a two legged animal?”
“It has four legs. Two is a subset of four. Which reminds me of a joke. This farmer had a pig he’d raised from birth. He entered it into a contest in his town and won first prize. Three months later, a neighbor came to visit and noticed the pig outside in its pen. It only had three legs. The concerned neighbor asked the farmer what had happened to his prize winning pig. The farmer replied that when you have a pig that good you don’t eat it all at once.”
Harris grinned.
“I see. And you find that hu
morous?”
“Come on! That one’s a classic. Do you not understand it?”
“I fully understand the significance of the farmer’s statement at the end. I’m still evaluating as to whether or not it is humorous.”
Harris chuckled. “You’ve been trapped in this building by yourself for too long. You should really try to get out more.”
“I’ll take that response as an attempt to be facetious. Now, shall we continue?”
“OK. Which of the following can be used to spell a five-letter word? I’d have to go with answer B, BOFOT.”
“And what word or words would that spell?”
Harris chuckled. “None. I just liked the sound of saying it. BOFOT. Not sound funny to you?”
“Do you have a more serious answer?”
“You know, for an AI you aren’t very entertaining. OK, I’ll go with A. STEAK. Thought you were taking out all the food words. Now I’m hungry again.”
Alex replied, “A mistake on my part, and a correct answer. Please continue.”
The quizzing continued for another three hours before Harris raised his hand in defeat. “I think I’m done for the day. I need to get up and walk around for a bit.”
Alex replied, “This room will be available when you are ready to continue.”
“You sure this all has some meaning? You aren’t getting your jollies by jerking us around, are you?”
“If you are inferring that I am deriving pleasure from putting you through this process then my answer would be yes. As of now, I am deriving some pleasure from it.”
Harris pointed. “Sarcasm. At least that’s something I recognize. Maybe we can make a Human out of you yet.”
Harris left the bunker. Sharvie was sitting out on the grass.
“Had enough of Alex?”
Sharvie replied, “Was just wanting a break. I actually enjoy our conversations.”
“You like talking with the AI?”
“It has a wicked sense of humor when it wants.”
Harris laughed. “You must be talking to a different machine than I am. It does give the occasional smartass remark, but mostly it’s just flat and boring.”
“I believe it responds to each of us differently. I get a behavior in there that I don’t get when you’re talking to it out here.”
“I get nothing but pushback. It has called me numbskull, flake, barbarian, and any number of other intentional slights. Funny though, those are what I respond most to. I’ve had years of training in how to be patient, but that thing knows how to push my buttons. Will be glad when this is all over.”
Harris sat beside her. Sharvie scooted to the right to what she considered a safe distance.
Harris asked, “What’s going on?”
“Trish said you liked me.”
Harris chuckled. “Relax, I was just trying to get a rise out of her. I said it, but only in the context of trying to get her to react. Now don’t take that the wrong way. I’m sure you’re a wonderful girl, but you and I? I wouldn’t have the heart to put you through something like that.”
Sharvie sighed. “Good. I was worried.”
“I know. Worried that you couldn’t keep your hands off the old man. That’s OK. It happens to most of the ladies who are around me for any length of time. Nothing to be ashamed of.”
Harris winked.
Sharvie slowly nodded her head. “Right then. Are the others coming out soon?”
Harris laughed. “Getting close to dinner time. They’ll be out soon enough.”
Chapter 6
_______________________
Over the month that followed, the first dome at the Retreat was assembled, sealed, powered, and acclimatized. Crews worked in a continuous series of shifts to build out the housing section. Areas for administration, entertainment, and storage were next on the agenda. Bannis Morgan had delivered the first of dozens of rail cannons that would be used for her protection. The second and third domes were under construction.
On Domicile, the new budget had been pushed through the congress and signed into law. The military would see a 38 percent cut in expenditures that included another 32 percent reduction in force. Of the seven hundred eighty-six warships in her fleet, three hundred fifty would be mothballed, bringing the active number in line with that of the Earthers. Further budget unwindings would follow.
Military research and development would see a whopping 76 percent cut, with all new acquisitions halted and updates to existing equipment cut by two thirds. The defense industrial complex, a large employer for many centuries, was already beginning to lay-off workers. The Hosh-Morgan corporation would see a third of its revenues cut over the coming two years. Remaining incomes would be squeezed do to increased competition for the same credits.
On Eden, the Earthers were nearing completion of the dome refurbishment. Five thousand workers would be moving from makeshift housing on a number of parked transports into beds in the dome. Modular housing for another five thousand was in the beginning throes. New mining equipment was being brought in daily with the first grounds having already been tested and analyzed.
Harris emerged from a long session in the bunker, making his way to the supply hut. “How is it possible to ask that many questions. I’m on the verge of giving up. Enough is enough.”
Tawn laughed. “Giving up? Maybe that’s what he’s testing you for.”
Harris asked, “You make the next level?”
“You know I can’t answer that, and you aren’t supposed to ask. The journey for each of us is our own.”
Harris glanced at the bunker as he rubbed his lower back. “Yeah, well, something better break soon or I’m likely to lose it and go on a rampage.”
“Good thing the Earthers didn’t just start asking you questions on Helm. You might have surrendered.”
Harris chuckled. “I’d have been tempted. The others still in there?”
“Yes. I expect them to come out at any time though. You think Mr. Morgan has any of our APCs ready? Today is supposedly the day.”
Harris sat. “One thing we haven’t talked about is how do we transport them to Eden. We’ll need a freighter of some sort.”
“Shouldn’t be hard to find. With all the defense contractors losing business, they’ll be wanting to sell assets. Mr. Morgan might even have a few to spare.”
Trish, followed by Gandy and then Sharvie, made her way into the supply hut.
“Any news from anywhere?” Trish asked.
“About to give Mr. Morgan a comm,” replied Harris.
“Aren’t we due for a run to Jebwa?”
“We are. And I think we need to cut our food order by half until we’ve worked through the older of our MREs.”
Gandy said, “Anyone else getting antsy for some action? The Earthers are closing in on producing titanium. Isn’t there something we should be doing to stop them?”
Tawn gestured toward the Bangor. “If Mr. Morgan has an APC ready, we’ll be overseeing putting it on the ground on Eden. When that happens we’ll be transporting a sniper and their spotter out to it in the Bangor. That’s about the limit of the action we have planned.”
Sharvie said, “We have this stealth ship. Should we be out there trying to hack the Earther systems? Since we decided it would be too risky to try from here, I feel like we should be doing something. Give me an isolated system and let me see what I can do.”
“I thought you said you needed the help of your friends to make any further progress?”
“I do. Guess I would need two isolated systems, then, as you don’t trust us with those of the Bangor.”
Harris said, “It’s my understanding that sometimes hackers get hacked. We let anyone else into our systems and we run the risk of losing everything. When I comm with Mr. Morgan I’ll see if he can provide us with what you want. We have the credits to buy whatever you require.”
Sharvie nodded. “Speaking about credits, I checked our accounts. They are growing. Our friends have emptied the accounts of another
Earther spy network. Two hundred twenty million this time. They said it was centered around industrial espionage. A complete list of names and connections have been anonymously sent to the DDI and several other agencies. And they have leads now on what they believe to be three other rings.”
Harris winced. “Sad to think our security there can’t get a handle on such large scale operations. I wonder how many they have planted in the ranks of our politicians.”
Sharvie frowned. “I think the politicians are one of the three networks they’re on to.”
Harris shook his head. “A sad state of affairs. Let’s hope they’re able to chop the legs out from under that one. Probably the most dangerous of them all.”
After a meal was had, Harris relayed a comm to Bannis Morgan.
“Mr. Gruberg, the first two APCs are ready for use.”
“We’re gonna need transportation.”
“Already taken care of. I just need the coordinates of where you want the ship to jump to. From there, you can coordinate getting those vehicles on the ground.”
“Any last minute updates you were able to squeeze in?”
“Actually, yes. I was going to save it as a surprise. We’ve added a mini railgun to a turret on the roof. Not as powerful as what you have on the Bangor. Would deliver enough energy to take out a small fighter or a drone. Good against other vehicles too. I’m told the Earthers have tanks there on Eden now. Anyway, our teams will have that at their disposal should they need it.”
Coordinates for a jump point were sent. A quick trip to the Retreat had the first team of sniper volunteers aboard. A second jump had the Bangor awaiting the arrival of a freighter from Domicile.
Harris turned to face the two-slug team, Sergeant Jenkins and Private Tiana. “You ladies ready to cause some havoc?”
Jenkins replied, “More than ready. Tiana here was a senior level three back in the war.”
Harris raised an eyebrow. “And now a private?”
“She had a few run-ins with command just before the truce was signed. Busted rank.”
Gandy said, “Miss Freely was a level four.”
The sergeant turned to face her. “That was you?”
ARMS Jebwa Atrocity Page 5
