HADRON Chaos

by Stephen Arseneault

  As the ramp lowered, four UF soldiers marched aboard. “You, out onto the deck. And no sudden moves.”

  “Friendly lot,” whispered Jenny.

  Mace unfastened his harness and stood, walking slowly to the ramp as Jenny followed. The two were soon on the deck looking back at the shuttle.

  Jenny said, “I can’t get tired of that blue on her hull.”

  Mace replied, “I just hope they don’t spend too much time sniffing around. They would have that hull, our transponders, and any other tech we have on there they don’t currently have.”

  Jenny smiled. “Well, not much we can do about it now. And I hate to think about swapping out one of our shuttles for something low tech just for instances like this.”

  Mace sighed. “I guess if we’re in their space we have to follow their rules.”

  Two UF techs, holding scanning devices, passed by before disappearing up the shuttle ramp. Five minutes later they emerged. An officer of the deck gestured for the Humans to board their ship.

  The shuttle was soon settling on the tarmac at Travia Forks. A short walk had Mace and Jenny sitting in the lounge. A commercial kiosk was used to place a comm to Frado Knuttin back in the main UF territories.

  He replied several minutes later: “Mr. Hardy, I see that you are on Canto.”

  “Yep. We just wanted to check in and see how things are going.”

  Frado smiled. “They are going well. Our difficulty with the pirates and their supporters is coming to an end. As it turns out, there may be a new colony rush forthcoming, and the strength of our corporation may put us at the forefront of such a rush. Our military contracts have become quite lucrative. I’m considering splitting the corporation into two separate companies, one focused on fulfilling our military needs, the other supporting colony establishment.”

  Mace nodded. “Sounds like you have your hands full.”

  Frado replied, “Yes. Quite full. There isn’t enough time in the day to accomplish what I need to get done. Which brings me to a question for you: the wormhole device you possess, I understand fully why you would be hesitant to provide that technology to others. What I would like to know is, would you be interested in leasing your ship to the corporation? With your crew of course.”

  “What’d you have in mind?”

  Frado passed the image of a planet to the comm display. “As you know, our ships move at less than the speed of light. The UF has expanded to the dimension it has through the use of rifts. The rest of our travels are long voyages on starships. What this means is reaching a new star system to stake a colony can take years, even decades. With your technology, we could stake claims on an untold number of systems long before any other company could reach said systems.”

  Mace laughed. “So you want us to cheat for you?”

  Frado pulled back. “First arrival is not cheating, Mr. Hardy. It is, however, required to register a claim.”

  Mace asked, “Would anyone argue those claims because they were made with a non-UF ship and crew?”

  Frado smiled. “For that I have a solution. The corporation will provide individual craft and pilots for that claiming process. You use the Rogers to get our pilots there, they stake the claims. After, you return here where the pilots can take their claims to Canto for registration.”

  Mace said, “That’s gonna be a problem. Your military doesn’t want us in UF territory with this ship.”

  “That is not an issue. The systems we wish to stake claim to are outside United Front jurisdiction. I told you before of the colony process. We have to establish and build a colony to a certain level before it is recognized by our government. At that point we can begin the process of applying for inclusion in the empire. Staking a claim is the first part of that process.”

  Mace asked, “And what would we get as a result of this effort?”

  Frado again smiled. “You own 24 percent of the corporation, Mr. Hardy. Think of it this way: if a claim is registered, it can then be leased out to a colonization company. At the same time, we provide valued services for establishing such colonies. With your ship we could easily be the premier corporation in this space. Already, our scientists have identified eighty-nine potential system candidates. The farthest of those worlds, using our current technology, won’t be explored for at least six decades. Just out of curiosity, how long does a journey through one of your wormholes take? I know our trips through a rift are near instantaneous.”

  Mace replied, “Actually, they’re the same. It’s like passing through an open door. If you have eighty-some candidates, we could probably cover those in a week’s time.”

  Frado returned a blank stare. “You are joking, are you not?”

  Mace shook his head. “If you gave me the coordinates to your home world, we could be in orbit above it in a couple minutes.”

  Frado sat in shock. “I had no idea your technology was so powerful. I knew you were advantaged over us, but I didn’t know by how much.”

  Mace said, “I’ll tell you what, Mr. Knuttin. We’ll make the jumps for you in exchange for gatrellium. I want a hundred tons per system.”

  Jenny leaned in and whispered, “Kind of steep, don’t you think?”

  Mace replied, “Without the wormhole generator technology, they can’t even make use of it.”

  Mace looked back at the comm camera. “Well, Mr. Knuttin? A hundred tons per colony claimed?”

  The Kohamian stood and awkwardly paced. “I will have to evaluate the size of the stockpiles that are available. At the moment those are limited.”

  Mace replied, “Evaluate and come back with what you think is doable. As you said, we have the ship that could make this possible. It would also broaden the UF territory, leaving less likelihood of another species coming along to claim these systems. We’ve been doing this ourselves. And I know for a fact the members of the former Galactic Union are itching to do this as well. And I’ll tell you what, if you are able to provide the gatrellium numbers I’ve asked for, I could possibly swing giving the corporation a minor stake in the systems we are currently claiming. Maybe 3 percent or something similar. We have over two hundred candidate systems we’ve identified already.”

  Frado sat in his chair. “I had no idea this discussion would go as it has, Mr. Hardy. All of the gatrellium in the United Front territories has export limits attached to it. Given what you’ve just told me, I believe I may be able to get that restriction lifted, seeing as how it will directly benefit the United Front.”

  Mace nodded. “Acquiring that material would be a big boost to us as well. And when I say us I mean the Targarian Empire and the Rogers and her crew, neither of which are hostile toward the UF.”

  Frado rubbed his pointed chin. “Allow me to discuss this with our military command. I have connections that go almost to the top. If such an arrangement could be signed, when would you and your crew be available to begin?”

  “I would want at least two shifts of my crew. We only have one aboard at the moment. That would probably take at least a day.”

  Frado shook his head in disbelief. “You never cease to astound me, Mr. Hardy. Give me twenty-four of your hours and I should have a response. In the meantime, I will send over a corporate liaison. Ask them anything you like about Canto. They should easily be able to keep you occupied for the time I require.”

  The comm closed. Ten minutes later the corporate liaison showed. “Mr. Hardy, my name is Derette Golese. Mr. Knuttin sent me to assist you with your needs.”

  Mace stood, offering a slight bow as was the customary greeting of the Kohamians. “Miss Golese, this is my associate Miz Taub. I can only guess Mr. Knuttin was offering us tours of the colony?”

  Derette replied, “If that’s what you prefer. It was my understanding that you sought entertainment.”

  Mace smiled. “That’ll work. What would you have available in the middle of the day?”

  Derette gestured toward a wall poster advertising a sporting event. “The first annual torus tournament began
two days ago. If you would like, I can show you the favorite pastime of the Kohamian people.”

  As they walked, following Derette Golese, Jenny asked, “I keep hearing Kohamians. I thought these were UF people.”

  Mace replied, “They are. As a species they’re Kohamians. As an empire they are the United Front. Think of it from the Bellias’ standpoint. They are Bellia, but members of the Targarian Empire, which is now really the Collins Kingdom.”

  “I see. But aren’t they all Kohamians?”

  “I’m not sure. I think they have a few second tier species too.”

  Derette led them to a transport that dropped the threesome off at the Grand Torus Arena, located at the city’s center. A short walk brought them to a room with a serving bar, a table with a variety of foods, and seating that faced a transparent wall. Just beyond it was the arena.

  It was shaped like the inside of an eggshell, and the contestants flew about the walls on hoverboards. The arena, about two hundred meters long by one hundred twenty meters diameter, had goals at each end.

  Mace said, “As I understand it, the teams try to work a ball down to the opponent’s goal, where it’s thrown into one of those red funnels. If it sticks, they get the points as designated. The goal is to reach a hundred before the opposing team.”

  Derette smiled. “Excellent explanation, Mr. Hardy. I take it you’ve witnessed a few matches before?”

  Mace shook his head. “I only know what Frado described to me.”

  Derette replied, “There will be two demis, balls if you will, in play at any given time. Substitutions are made on the fly. The game takes tremendous balance and precise timing. Imagine a demi being thrown forward from a boarder moving in one direction to a boarder moving at a fast pace in another. I find the distant lobs the most entertaining. Would you care to wager any credits?”

  Mace shrugged. “How would I do that? I suppose we have a healthy bank account here now since we can’t take any off-world.”

  Derette’s eyes grew big. “Your account is more than healthy, Mr. Hardy. It’s the largest in the colony. One hundred fifty-nine million credits. Are you interested?”

  “Sure. What do I do?”

  Derette typed away on a keypad. A wall display illuminated, showing the members of each team in a list or rows. Going across in columns were cues that could be selected for a wager.

  Mace pointed. “Number fourteen. That was my number in high school. Let’s place a bet on them to score at least two points.”

  Derette selected the player, Kons Vakka, and then highlighted the cue, two points minimum. “And how much would you like to wager?”

  Mace shrugged. “I don’t know… a million credits?”

  Derette pulled back. “I’m not even sure the booking house could cover such a wager.”

  Mace nodded. “OK, then what would a typical bet be? How much?”

  Derette replied, “Kons Vakka is a goalie. The odds of her scoring two points are at one hundred eighty-four to one. Goalies rarely score. They do, however, get the occasional assist. Assists count as a quarter point. I don’t recall ever seeing a goalie have four assists in a game though, let alone a full match.”

  Mace said, “OK, then what would you suggest?”

  Jenny asked, “Can I pick one?”

  Mace nodded. “Sure. Some of those credits belong to you.”

  Jenny looked over the roster. “Number three. Goma Katis. I want ten credits that he scores at least two points.”

  Derette entered the wager. “The payout is one-point-four to one. A reasonable bet. Goma is coming off the injured list, but held a three-point-two goal average prior to that injury. She’s also one of my favorites.”

  Mace asked, “The teams are mixed genders?”

  Derette nodded. “The men have better power and speed, but the women are better strategists. They are excellent at feeding the big strikers up front.”

  Jenny said, “Wish we could talk to them. I’d love to get Goma’s take on the upcoming game. Not that I’ll know what she’s talking about. I just want to get a hint about her attitude.”

  Derette replied, “I can take you to see them. The first game isn’t for another forty minutes.”

  Jenny turned to face Mace. “Let’s go do this. It’ll add some fun to the game.”

  Mace smiled. “Sure. Miss Golese, Lead the way.”

  Derette said, “If you’d like to make a wager, Mr. Hardy, we should do that before going down.”

  “OK. I want a hundred credits on Kons for a full point.”

  Derette replied, “They are your credits I suppose.”

  The trip to the locker room had Kohamian players walking around in various stages of dress. The Humans in escort received odd looks from most.

  Derette guided her assignees to the locker of Goma Katis. “Miz Katis, I’d like to introduce you to two executives of the Knuttin Corporation. This is Jenny Taub and Mace Hardy. Jenny has selected you for a wager today.”

  Goma said, “What’d you take?”

  “Uh, two points for ten credits, I think,” said Jenny.

  Goma nodded. “Safe bet.”

  The player standing next to her remarked. “Should have taken five. She’s been on fire this past week in practice. She likes to come out with a bang, too. She’s been hitting the five ring like there was nobody in front of it.”

  Jenny smiled. “Good to know.”

  The trio proceeded to the locker of Kons Vakka.

  “Miz Vakka, this is Mace Hardy and Jenny Taub. They are executives with the Knuttin Corporation. Mr. Hardy has a wager placed on you today to score a full point.”

  Kons Vakka grunted out a laugh. “A point? Your money would have been better spent on a jug of Gookan.”

  Mace turned to face Derette. “What’s Gookan?”

  Derette replied, “It’s a cheap wine, generally consumed by the lower classes. I should apologize for Miz Vakka’s rudeness.”

  Mace laughed. “Not at all. I like a player who says what she thinks. If you manage the feat I might just have to buy you dinner or something.”

  The torus player stood with an angry look and a clenched fist.

  Mace stepped back. “What’d I say?”

  Jenny smirked. “I’d say you insulted her character. Let me guess, influencing players is heavily frowned upon?”

  Derette nodded. “It’s our national sport. The players, teams, and fans take it all very seriously. Undue influence is not only frowned upon, but a crime.”

  Mace held up a hand. “My apologies. I was only trying to make light of my obviously poor wager.”

  Vakka stepped forward, still angered. “You think I’m not capable?”

  Jenny said, “You’d best just shut your pie hole until we get out of here. Some of these people look pretty intimidating.”

  Mace held his comment, bowed slightly and turned toward the door. Kons Vakka and half a dozen other players scowled as they walked away.

  Back in the viewing room, they took their seats.

  Derette asked, “May I have a beverage brought to you?”

  Mace laughed. “Yeah, a jug of that Gookan. I’m obviously from the lower classes. I might as well drink like it.”

  Jenny leaned in. “I still think you’ve got class. At least a little.”

  Mace smiled. “Well, thank you, Miz Taub.”

  Chapter 10

  *

  A horn sounded and a dozen players from each team streamed out of doors set into the walls. On their hoverboards, the players were soon whizzing around the inside of the egg-shaped playing field, going up and over the ceiling as the flat hoverboards stayed at a fixed height to the sides of the arena, skimming along just above the surface. A mere two centimeters separated the board from the arena walls. A player leaning forward would speed up while leaning back would slow down. leaning side to side had them turning one direction or the other. The highest speeds were attained by leaning hard forward while coming down from a ceiling position.

  “Wow,
” said Mace, “this looks like it’s gonna run at an incredibly fast pace. How do they keep from colliding?”

  “Skill,” Derette replied. “Collisions mean injuries. Injuries mean no pay. The boards have built-in sensors that assist, making it difficult to maneuver into the path of an oncoming player, but it isn’t foolproof. Goma is coming off one such injury.”

  “How do you keep track of who has a demi?”

  Derette pointed to a hole just below one of the goals. “They will release the practice demis any moment. You’ll see. It’s easy for the fans to follow, quite difficult for the players. The best players are able to partially conceal a demi. The players’ gloves are magnetic when balled in a fist. The demis are hollow with an iron surface. The demi will stay on the fist of a player who captures it up until they release their hold or are tagged by an opposing player. You see the circle on their backs? That is the tag point. Touch that and the demi is released.

  “For throwing, a player will fling their arm in the direction they want to throw, unclenching their fist at just the right moment for a release. You’ll have a solid understanding of how it’s played by the time the game is over. Perhaps your next wager will be a more informed one.”

  A second horn sounded and four demis rolled out into the playing field from each goal. They were quickly captured and a melee of releases began. The demis had either a red or a blue halo surrounding them as viewed through the transparent walls of the arena. To the viewer, the walls of the other viewing rooms appeared to be solid walls. The surface of the arena looked stark white.

  Ten minutes after the practice demis had been released, a third horn sounded. The demis were quickly launched at the goals, where they were either snagged by the goalies who guarded them, or they found their mark in one of the concentric rings of funnels.

  Derette leaned forward in her chair. “This is exciting, Mr. Hardy. My duties do not normally take me to a torus match. This will be the first game of the tournament I’ve been able to watch. In about two minutes the match will begin.”

  Jenny asked, “How long does it last?”