ARMS Jebwa Atrocity
Page 27
Tawn walked in. “Wow, just wow. Acceleration is improved, turns have improved by at least 10 percent. And we have a new top speed of 63 percent light-speed. That is just incredible.”
Gandy said, “Several more surprises too. A new set of ion inhibitor boxes have been fastened to the new hull plating, making it even less vulnerable to plasma fire. And Mr. Morgan’s team made a fix to the rail cannons where we don’t have to dial down the power when using the autofeeder. We’re now capable of four rounds per second when counting both barrels.”
Trish grinned. “And best of all, you got your new butt-pad for your chair. It now has Tawn’s imprints, but I’m sure you can work them out.”
Harris nodded. “Outstanding.”
Tawn gestured. “I think you’ll be happy with the new Bangor.”
“She tell you about our trip to the Retreat?” asked Harris.
Gandy replied, “About our popularity? We got some of that the last couple days at home. Our old neighbors threw a big barbecue for us. The whole street was full of people. Thought my hand was gonna fall off after so much shaking and waving. The news channels were broadcasting clips from your fight with the Denzee.”
Harris winced. “Where’d they get those? The colonel wouldn’t have released that.”
Gandy shook his head. “Came from the Earthers. Video streams were from their ships. Was even a clip of the emperor thanking you and Tawn personally with a message. I’d say we scored big with the pacifist crowd seeing as how our own military wasn’t involved. Of course, they’re using that to further justify their budget cuts.”
Tawn scowled. “And they’re playing right into the Earthers’ hands. And here’s the bad news for the three of you as well as us: when we hit Eden, which we plan on doing, that celebrity status will turn to loathing and hatred, as you’ll be viewed as trying to provoke a war. We know different, but that won’t be the message the public gets.”
“Well,” said Gandy. “I guess it was fun while it lasted.”
Harris rubbed the back of his neck. “I don’t see an immediate attack on Eden coming. Maybe we can get you back home a few more times between now and then.”
Sharvie said, “I was able to talk with several of my friends. They were happy to contribute while staying out of the spotlight.”
“I’ve been meaning to ask you about them,” said Harris. “They got us that huge horde of credits. I don’t think we offered them anything for their help. We could easily give them all comfortable lives.”
Sharvie waved. “Pfft. You don’t have to worry about them. They skimmed 5 percent from all those accounts. None of them will ever have to work again. Not that they worked anyway, but you know what I mean. They’re sitting on their own fat mountain of credits. And just so you know, they’re continuing their crusade against the Earther spy networks. I think they’ve located a new stream of accounts. You may have even more funds coming.”
Harris chuckled. “That has to be driving the Earthers nuts.”
Trish said, “I know I don’t have to say this, but anyone else hungry?”
Harris grinned. “Best first mate I ever had.”
“Only first mate you ever had.”
The group broke out the MREs, taking a moment to reflect as they came across the last of the meals supplied by the pacifists from Jebwa. Runs to Domicile would have to be made to replenish their stockpile. Trish, Gandy, and Sharvie were more than happy to volunteer.
Harris took a large bite from a bogler rib. “Farker? Does Alex have anything new for us?”
Three farks were returned.
“Open a comm.”
An image of Alex floated in the air. “Hello, Harris, Tawn, others. I have good news.”
“You finished working on whatever you took those scans for?”
“I did. If you would kindly come into the complex, you can each meet with your new assistants.”
Harris looked up from a chew. “Assistants?”
~~~~~
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