ARMS Jebwa Atrocity

by Arseneault, Stephen

  “Just heard a few minutes ago. Great news.”

  Harris nodded. “Yes and no. The Denzee are gone, but now we have the Earthers to contend with. That invasion probably cost them fifty ships, along with their trained crews. That’s a big hit. But with that mine running full-bore, they are likely to make up any shortfall in a hurry. Which is why I commed you.”

  “The freighters should be finished in the coming days. I just talked to the colonel about the Hailstorm. I told him this go-round we might need at least two weeks for repairs.”

  Harris replied, “Expected as much. What I want to ask you though is what you would need to build another five of those freighters? Including the latest updates we sent over.”

  “Are we talking cost or time?”

  “Both.”

  “Just throwing out a few ballpark numbers here. Since we have the facilities up and running, with the personnel who are now trained… I believe we could manage about seventy-five million credits each. And two to three months of schedule.”

  Harris nodded. “Excellent. We’ll take five. That will leave us a contingency fund for maintenance and repairs.”

  Tawn whispered, “We still have the money from Sharvie’s friends. Close to nine hundred million.”

  “And we’ll need every bit of that should we have to take on the Earthers.”

  Tawn chuckled. “You mean, when we take on the Earthers.”

  A credit transfer was made before the comm was closed. A second comm was opened to the colonel.

  “Gruberg, just got word back from my DDI contacts. They are quite pleased with the departure of the Denzee. So much so that they’ve managed to retract all the warrants they have out for you and your team. You are now free to travel back to Domicile or out to the colonies, including here to the Retreat.”

  Tawn asked, “Any guarantees that we won’t be grabbed or harassed by the DDI or any other government officials or agents thereof?”

  The colonel nodded. “I knew you would ask, and I have been given assurances that you will not be bothered. That order comes straight from the President.”

  The conversation went on for another ten minutes before the comm closed.

  Harris stood in front of his team. “We have new freighters coming. And we have updates to be made to the Bangor. And if you were paying attention just then, we are supposedly free to go back to Domicile or wherever we want. Personally, I plan on dropping the Bangor at the shipyard for a drive update, followed by a week of rest and recuperation at a hotel on Chicago Port Station. There are a number of buffets that have been calling my name.”

  Tawn sighed. “I guess that’s where I’ll be too. Can’t let my partner run around unchecked. He’d just get himself in trouble. And the rest of you are welcome to join us.”

  Sharvie said, “A week of luxury and gluttony? I’m game.”

  “I guess that means we’ll be keeping an eye on her too,” said Gandy. “What about visiting home?”

  Trish replied, “We’ll have to do at least a day at home. Parents probably won’t even have missed us, but I’d like to visit just the same.”

  Harris smiled. “Pack your bags then and we’ll be off.”

  ~~~~~

  What’s Next

  _______________________

  This Human is asking for your help! If you enjoyed this book, please leave a review on the site where it was purchased. And by all means, please tell your friends! Any help with spreading the word is highly appreciated! Find out when the next exciting release is available by joining the email list at comments@arsenex.com. I have a free science fiction eBook short story, titled “THE SQUAD”, waiting for anyone who sends an email to that address. Visit the author’s website at www.arsenex.com for links to this series and other works.

  The following preview is the first chapter of the next book in the series and is provided for your reading pleasure.

  Stephen

  (Turn the page)

  (Preview)

  ARMS

  (Vol. 4)

  Eden Lost

  _______________________

  Tawn took a deep breath after dumping a drunken Harris Gruberg on his bed.

  “You people are too dense,” said Gandy. “He weighs a ton.”

  “I think he’s added at least ten kilos this week alone. I mean, I can eat, but he was ravenous. The Emporium people were mad until the spectacle started drawing in customers. Even with what he was eating they were making money off him.”

  Gandy chuckled. “You weren’t any slouch in there.”

  Tawn rubbed her belly. “Yeah, I’m guessing I added a couple kilos myself.”

  Gandy sighed. “I’m almost sad it’s over tomorrow.”

  “Yep. We have a lot of work to do if we’re gonna shut down those mines.”

  “I can’t believe Mr. Gruberg was even talking about going to New Earth to visit the emperor. That just seems crazy.”

  “We were invited. Not often people get offered the opportunity to be a part of the royal family. Not that we would ever accept such a deal. I think he just wants to see the emperor face to face.”

  Gandy frowned. “Seems kind of dangerous to me. For the same reason we don’t want to talk to the DDI… Midelon.”

  “I think it’s more talk than reason at this point. I know he was going on and on about it tonight, but I don’t think that will be the case once he’s sober.”

  The week of festivities had come to an end. Several extra days were taken for Trish, Gandy, and Sharvie to take care of business on Domicile while Tawn and Harris jumped to the shipyard orbiting above the Retreat.

  Bannis Morgan was visiting. “My engineers have finalized the updates we’ll be making to the freighters. I have three proposals in with the DDF for ship modernization. So far, regardless of the pleas by every single admiral in the force, the politicians are not loosening the purse strings. Furthermore, I’m a bit nervous at the lack of security effort being put forth by our government officials.”

  Harris asked, “You worried about the updated designs getting into the hands of Earther spies?”

  “Those designs have yet to leave my facilities, but yes, it’s as if people have forgotten we were at war with these people for nearly two thousand years. They haven’t just up and changed overnight. I tell you, these pacifists are going to be the death of us all. You even mention military spending and they cover their ears. I’m starting to believe half of them are double agents. And the other half are just fools.”

  “I walked by the dock where they had the Bangor. Thought those updates would be done by now.”

  Bannis half frowned. “We’ve had some difficultly with the removal and refit of that drive. The old unit was made up of more than a dozen sections. They were all welded together in-place. It’s out. But we ran into a second issue. That unit was hardened. It could take a substantial beating, which is probably why you kept flying while being nearly shaken to death. We’re having to harden the new unit before installing it.

  “So we’ll be able to hit just over 50 percent light-speed with this mod?”

  “I’d say so. My designers have a few tweaks to add they believe will get you close to the top end speed of the Denzee ships, only you’ll get there faster.”

  Harris nodded. “I like the sound of that. We already had an advantage when down at fighting speed, so this can only help. Your people had a chance to dig into that rattle ship?”

  “They have. And we believe there are more discoveries to come. For instance, their method of creating an inertial dampener field is very different from ours. My team thinks they may be able to combine the best points of both designs and come up with an improved field that will allow even tighter turns when fighting.”

  Harris smiled. “Better turning and more speed would both add to our ability to dodge incoming rounds. Any idea when they might have something like that up and running?”

  “All just theory at the moment. And the same can be said for their plasma weapons. And as you know,
their exterior plating.”

  Harris rolled his eyes. “Those warship hulls were impossible to breach. We put a heckuva beating on several of those ships and there was no indication of atmospheric leaks. I’m sure it was a violent end for anyone near those hits, but the ship’s vital systems went undamaged.”

  Bannis said, “One more thing. We’ve managed to pull the recordings of their fights with the Earthers. We’re doing a full analysis on what worked in those fights and what was unsuccessful.”

  Harris nodded. “Good. Useful info. I’m sure we’ll be needing it before long.”

  “You have plans forming up for an attack?”

  Harris shook his head. “Not yet. Would like to get our own force up and running, and get some training behind a few crews. When we do hit Eden, we’ll want to hit it hard.”

  “You do realize the moment that happens the emperor will complain and those warrants for you will be reissued, right?”

  Harris sighed. “I’m expecting as much. Which is why between now and then I’ll be pushing for Trish, Gandy, and Sharvie to spend as much time here on Domicile as they can. Once we stop the Earthers’ operations on Eden, we’ll be in exile again.”

  Bannis stood. “Have you had a look at the new construction bays?”

  “Didn’t know there was such a thing. Are they different than where the Bangor is parked?”

  Bannis nodded. “Very. That’s a repair bay for smaller ships. We have two of the three full bays completely enclosed. I’m surprised you didn’t notice as you were coming in.”

  Tawn chuckled. “We had the autopilot set and were both taking naps. Has been a tough week at the buffets. We needed some rest.”

  Bannis furled his brows. “I see. Anyway… two of the full bays are now enclosed. Work can be performed without wearing suits. It speeds and eases almost every aspect of ship assembly. As a consequence. I can cut as much as fifteen million credits from the cost of each of those freighters. When we’re done, if you like I’ll have those credits ready to refund.”

  Harris smiled. “Sounds like you just got a contract for a sixth additional freighter.”

  Bannis nodded. “Was hoping you’d say that. Here, bay one is just down this hall.”

  Tawn said, “I find it hard to believe you can produce that ship for such a low cost. I can spend seven million on a high-end shuttle. The freighter is huge in comparison.”

  “You’re still buying a freighter, Miss Freely. Highly modified, but a freighter. If I were to turn that into a warship that I was producing for profit, the cost would likely triple. It would of course be more rugged and capable, but expensive. And as I said, it would be for profit.”

  “You aren’t making anything off these?”

  “On the contrary, the shipyard and its enhancements are paid for. That is a huge capital outlay my company doesn’t have to make. The NRE, the non-recoverable engineering, and other expenses such as operational costs are all covered by you. Once we have that third bay enclosed and have the opportunity to really have a hard look at our costs, we may be able to lop another ten million credits off each of those freighters. I’m talking future units of course.”

  Harris asked, “What if we took everything there that is freighter out and just made it a hardened warship.”

  “Hmm. Would be far smaller of course, but again less expensive. Are you talking warship for you or warship to sell to the DDF?”

  “For us.”

  “I would put a ballpark of thirty million for such a ship. Only I wouldn’t be able to produce it here. The Domicile government wouldn’t allow it. The only reason they’ve allowed the construction of these freighters is because the rail cannons are being installed out in free space. We managed a modular unit that replaces a very weak cannon. The phony unit can be removed from outside and the complete rail cannon package inserted in its place in about twenty minutes.”

  Tawn shook her head. “Your people have really engineered the crap out of this stuff, Mr. Morgan. I’m still stunned at the turnaround times you’ve managed.”

  “I’ve been doing this for eighty years, Miss Freely. If you also take into account the lack of government red tape and paperwork, it becomes a much easier proposition.”

  “Still… impressive.”

  The tour of the construction bay took several hours. After one last stop to see the Bangor, the pair made a run down to the surface for a visit to the Retreat.

  The colonel greeted them as they stepped off the Gooch. “Welcome back as free citizens.”

  Harris nodded. “Still looking over our shoulders for the men in black. So far they’ve remained inconspicuous if they’ve been there. Domes look good. I like the landscaping around the base.”

  “When the work finished we opted to spruce things up a bit. Was more of a busywork program than anything. Two thirds of our citizens are up there at the ship factory working now.”

  Tawn nodded. “I noticed a lot of them walking around.”

  “You two have somewhat of a celebrity status around here now. Your efforts built this place, provided food and housing, and now with that factory up there, jobs. I’ve seen thousands come in here with crushed spirits after struggling to work and fit in on Domicile. They’re all smiles now.”

  “I can see them being thankful,” said Harris. “I would be. But celebrity status? Where would they draw that from?”

  We have our own daily news broadcasts. The exploits and accomplishments by you and your team are always a favorite. Especially your recent eating frenzy on Chicago Port. That has been popular all week.”

  Tawn said, “You’re the only one we talk to here, Colonel. This your doing? You had someone filming us?”

  “Guilty as charged. I decided it might be good to use you as a unifying force for all slugs and stumps. Something to be proud of besides our prior accomplishments. It keeps them enthused with what we’re trying to do, and also means I have no shortage of volunteers. You’re easily the best marketing tool I have when it comes to meeting our needs.”

  Harris nodded. “I heard you’ve started a memorial cemetery for the fallen. I’d like to visit and pay tribute if I could.”

  “That goes for me too, Colonel,” Tawn added.

  “Was the least we could do to honor their sacrifices.”

  Harris asked, “Any thoughts of bringing our fallen brethren out here from Domicile? We could sponsor that move.”

  “The possibility had crossed my mind, but I thought better of it. Those men and women made their sacrifice for Domicile. It was their home. And I think they serve the large population as a reminder of our commitment to keeping them free and safe. And just so you know, there have been a number of positive news stories about you on Domicile as well. Surprised you weren’t noticed and mobbed by fans.”

  Tawn chuckled. “He was mobbed by fans watching him eat. Wasn’t out of admiration though, was definitely for entertainment. There was a line of people trying to get in the Emporium within ten minutes after our arrival. Would never have imagined we’d be popular for our eating habits. The world is getting strange, Colonel.”

  “We’re in a period of peace. We have no experience with it, none of us. While unemployment may be high, the stresses and worries of war have gone away. Partly why the pacifists have been popular of late.”

  Harris frowned. “That false notion of security would be shattered if they knew and understood what the Earthers were doing right now. There’s no amount of negotiation short of full surrender they would accept. Within a year, I think that reality will be settling in and the pacifists will be getting clobbered in elections.”

  The colonel nodded as they were escorted into the dome. “Let’s hope you’re right, about the elections that is.”

  The colonel stopped. “Major Wilhoite, I’d like you to take Miss Freely and Mr. Gruberg over to the memorial garden. When you’re done, bring them into the cafeteria.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  With the major they toured the grave sites of the recently depa
rted heroes of the Biomarines. Broad white marble arches marked the entrance to a field that would one day house most of the remaining genetically enhanced fighters for freedom. Harris and Tawn each said a few words over the graves of the most recently fallen, the group of volunteers who had assisted with the capture of the Denzee ship. Upon return to the dome, they were escorted to the cafeteria. A large crowd was waiting, and cheers erupted.

  The colonel grinned. “Thought you could use a pick-me-up.”

  Tawn shook her head. “You’re gonna give him an ego complex, Colonel. That fat head of his is likely to explode.”

  Harris stepped up onto a tabletop, waving to the crowd of slugs and stumps with a broad smile on his face.

  Tawn chuckled. “You may have created a monster.”

  The colonel gestured toward the table. “Climb up there with him. As I told you, you two are a recruiting tool for me when I need volunteers. You’ve made them once again proud to be Biomarines. Get up there and take your bow.”

  Tawn sighed as she stepped up on a bench, and then up onto the table. Smiles, nods of thanks, and waves were sent out to the crowd before them. After several minutes on display, the partners hopped back to the floor.

  Tawn said, “I saw a lot of regulars out there. Wasn’t expecting that.”

  The colonel nodded. “They come down from the ship factory. With near normal gravity they have no problem spending time here in the dome. And we benefit by them spending their credits. In fact, we have about a thousand hotel beds between here and dome two that are always booked. With your exploits, all slugs and stumps have gained a bit of celebrity. And acceptance. Something we didn’t have before.”

  Harris smiled. “Now my head is getting bigger. I can feel it.”

  Three days were spent at the Retreat while the Bangor was receiving its renewed drive. Once back at the factory for the pick-up, Tawn insisted on piloting the refurbed craft. A jump to Domicile to collect the Bolemans and Sharvie was followed by a return to Midelon.

  After Tawn took the ship for a run around Midelon, Harris was waiting in the supply hut when they landed.