by Saxon Andrew
Taffy turned back to Des, “We had to build this building before we could add these quarters on top. The building cost a little over a billion crowns and once it was completed, these quarters cost about three hundred million more.”
Des’s eyes opened wider as he said, “I imagine that put a dent in your finances.”
Taffy raised a shoulder, “Not really. We paid for it with our expense accounts. Since the building is our company’s headquarters, the cost is deductible.”
Kendal looked at Des and asked, “Is that a lot of money?”
Des laughed, “Yes, it is!”
Maranda fought to keep her expression neutral. Her father was worth slightly more than a billion crowns and Taffy just said they paid one and a half-billion crowns out of their expense accounts to pay for this. She remembered having people of less wealth around her family at gatherings and she looked down her nose at them making them very uncomfortable. She was feeling what they must have felt, and she didn’t like it. But Taffy and Grady were affable and made everyone feel at home. She realized that she really didn’t understand the true level of wealth until she came here. Her father was middle class compared to them. She heard Des say something to Louisa and she laughed; her eyes narrowed slightly, it ticked her off for some reason. She forced her expression back to neutral and looked out of the windows. This place had more square footage than the mansion she was raised in.
Des turned to Taffy and smiled, “That’s some tub you have here.”
Taffy laughed, “We’ve started a company to sell them and we’re covered up with orders that will keep it busy for about a year trying to catch up.”
“How many businesses do you own?” Louisa asked.
“We have ownership in eleven at the moment,” Taffy responded.
“Are you planning to open a business that can make dresses like this one?” Maranda asked.
Taffy turned to her and lowered her eyes, “As a matter of fact, we are. We’ll take the customer’s measurements when they enter the door and make the dress or suit while they wait.”
“And all this will be done by computers?”
“Yes, Maranda. How do you like the fit of your dress?”
“It’s perfect and I wondered how you could have possibly made it so quickly.”
“It was done here. Even the color for the dresses and suits you’re wearing tonight was determined by the computer.”
Maranda turned back to her plate and knew that if the Henricks opened a clothing business that could make special order clothes in less than an hour, their wealth was only going to get larger…much larger. After a moment, she had a thought, “Have you considered making uniforms for the military?”
“We already have a contract to begin production,” Grady answered.
“What about electronic components?” Maranda asked carefully.
Taffy smiled slightly, “We can already do that, but we’ve not offered to do so.”
Maranda stared at taffy and asked, “Why not?”
“Because it would put too many companies out of business and we don’t want to cause that much damage to an industry. We don’t need the income, so we don’t make businesses that would cause economic disruption.”
“Wouldn’t this new clothing business disrupt the clothing industry?” Maranda countered.
“At the prices we’ll be charging the impact would be minimal to ninety-five percent of the industry.”
Maranda saw something in Taffy’s expression and knew it had to do with her. There was a veiled threat to her father’s businesses, but she wasn’t coming out and saying it directly. The meal continued and after it was concluded, Grady stood up, “I hate to say it but it’s time to go to work. Please follow us to the conference room.”
Everyone stood up and Taffy led them to a stair well next to the elevator. They walked down the stairs as lights began turning on and wall monitors illuminating as they entered they conference room. Maranda was surprised there was enough room between the Henricks’ quarters and the floor below them for such a large space; this room could handle more than six-hundred attendees. Grady went to the head of the table and said, “Computer, please record and organize anything said during this meeting.”
“Recording has commenced,” the computer replied.
Grady smiled and turned to them, “I want each of you to report on any thoughts you might have developed on how to confront this threat the Fagan represent to Melbourne. We’ll start with Colonel Dunhan and then go to Abby. If they say anything that was part of your plans, don’t neglect to mention it. The more of us that support a plan gives it additional weight. Rory, you can start.”
Maranda sat back and saw that everything Rory mentioned appeared on the large central wall monitor behind Grady and was reorganized as he continued to talk. On the monitor to the right of the central monitor with PRO at the top of it, benefits of Rory’s plan were listed. To the left of the central monitor was another monitor with CON at the top of it, negatives were listed and organized. Grady did not interrupt any of them or disagree with anything they brought up. He encouraged them and prodded them to explain their thoughts. Maranda knew that Taffy hadn’t been honest about the cost of building their home. This room alone probably cost more than six-hundred-million crowns. It was the most advanced cybernetic facility she had ever seen. If she lied about the cost, what else had she not been truthful about? Desmond actually challenged her on it toward the end. “Taffy, I believe you told me that your quarters here cost three hundred million.” Taffy nodded. Desmond raised his arms, “This room alone cost more than that.”
Taffy chuckled, “You asked about our living quarters, Desmond. This room is not part of our living quarters. There are four rooms under our quarters that deal with running our businesses and this room, which is used in our naval responsibilities.”
Maranda rolled her eyes slightly; so much for not being truthful. “I notice that you and Taffy have not discussed your thoughts on this topic,” Maranda noted.
“I didn’t want to impact your thoughts on this.” Grady responded. “The Prime Minister and senior officers are going to question you about your concerns and ideas about what should be done. I wanted you to have the opportunity to get your thoughts together before you face them the day after tomorrow. I will be sending you a copy of what’s on the three monitors at the end of this meeting and I suggest you take some time to consider what’s been discussed here.” Maranda saw Des staring at her and knew that Grady did this to make sure they didn’t say or suggest anything that would be detrimental to their careers. Maranda didn’t know if she would have done the same thing if she were in command. Having subordinates look strong in front of senior officers could make them adversaries in being promoted. It was clear, Grady and Taffy didn’t have the least concern about that.
Louisa spoke up, “I don’t see anything on trying to save the people on America.” Kendal was sleeping on her lap and she woke up when Louisa spoke.
Grady glanced at Taffy and replied, “The purpose of this meeting is to find the means to handle the Fagan’s plan to invade our spiral arm. Saving America is not the priority at the moment.”
Louisa’s eyes narrowed, “The only way to prevent them from coming here is to stop them there, or am I wrong about that?”
“No, Louisa, you’re not. I think you see in the plans we’ve collected tonight that they’re centered around stopping them in their space.”
Louisa leaned forward and her expression turned angry, “And do you think that if you launch an attack against them in their space that you will not lose a single warship?”
Grady stared at Louisa and remained silent. Taffy saw his silence and stated, “I think it’s highly possible we will lose some warships.”
Grady put his hand on Taffy’s arm and shook his head. Taffy’s head tilted, and Louisa said very deliberately, “And if one warship is destroyed allowing the Fagan to examine it, do you not think they’ll discover that humans are flying them?”
“And what then happens to America?!” Louisa asked with a firm tone.
“America will die!” Maranda spoke up.
Kendal’s eyes opened wide in fear and Louisa patted her back, and said softly, “Shhhh…it will be ok.” Louisa looked up at Grady and stared directly into his eyes, “I will be going back with the ships sent to my spiral arm!”
Grady stared at her and, after a long moment of silence, he replied, “I have no assurance that we will be going to America, Louisa. I’ll discuss this with Melbourne’s leaders and let you know.”
“I will be present in that meeting, Grady!”
“Louisa, you aren’t in Melbourne’s military and aren’t authorized to be there.”
Louisa’s expression turned angrier, “It’s my understanding that you and Taffy aren’t in Melbourne’s military either. If you can go, then we can go!”
Grady started getting angry and Taffy said softly, “She’s right, Grady. We’re in Britannia’s military. She deserves to be there if for no other reason than to plead for America’s safety. Someone needs to speak for those poor suffering humans on America.”
Grady stared at Taffy and Maranda was again surprised he yielded to her. “All right! You will go with us to the meeting, but I need your agreement that you will not speak unless the Prime Minister gives you permission.”
Louisa smiled, “I’ll do what I can, but I won’t promise to be silent if America is ignored. I will speak for them!”
Grady shook his head and Rory interrupted, “Grady, if Britannia was in America’s position, would you be silent?” Grady turned to Rory as he added, “And would you stay behind and not go to Britannia to watch what’s happening?”
“This is almost insubordination,” Maranda thought. But Grady took it without being angry.
“No, I wouldn’t stay behind, and I would insist on being present at the meeting, Rory.” Grady turned to Louisa, “If I have to take you on my ship, you will go back if we make plans to attack the Fagan in their space. You will sit next to Taffy and me at the meeting. I’m inducting you into Britannia’s military at the rank of Lieutenant.”
“What about Kendal?” Louisa asked. Grady’s eyes narrowed, and Louisa added, “She needs to witness what is happening. She’s seen death and pain her entire life on America; she can handle this.” Kendal turned to Grady and nodded as only a six-year old could.
Taffy chuckled and said, “Make her my yeoman, Grady.”
Grady burst out laughing in the tension filled moment and nodded, “Yeoman, it is.” Grady stood up and stretched, “I’m sorry for keeping all of you up this late. You may stay in the rooms you’ve been assigned until the meeting or if you have something to do away from here tomorrow, you may leave when you choose.”
Maranda spoke up, “I promised my parents I’d visit them if I made it back. It’s too late to go tonight but I’d like to go tomorrow.”
Taffy immediately replied, “We have four military transports on the roof. I’ll clear the elevator to respond to your commands and there are four remotes hanging on the wall next to the elevator. Number four is the remote to the closest transport.”
Maranda smiled, “Thank you. I appreciate it.”
Grady turned and left the conference room with Taffy right behind him. He noticed that Des went directly to Louisa and put his arm over her shoulders telling her everything was going to be all right. Maranda saw it as well and felt a momentary touch of anger. She shook it off and followed the Henricks up the steps.
• • •
They arrived in their bedroom and Grady started taking off his tie. He glanced at Taffy and remarked, “I think I understand why you wanted Louisa to stay on Desmond’s ship. It appears Desmond has a thing for Louisa.”
“Yes, he does; he was smitten by her the moment he saw her. I didn’t think Louisa would be ready for any kind of relationship having recently lost her husband…but it appears she’s coming around.”
“Did you happen to notice Maranda’s expressions when she looked at them?”
“I did.” Grady stared at Taffy in silence and Taffy shrugged, “Maranda blew it with Desmond at the start. She has absolutely no chance of him ever feeling anything for her.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“I am. He doesn’t trust her and expects her to do everything she can to sabotage his career.”
“Do we need to separate them?”
“If the opportunity presents itself, yes. However, I don’t know anyone else that could work with Maranda in a subordinate role.”
“We’ll handle that if the situation presents itself.” Grady took Taffy in his arms and kissed her deeply, “It’s so good to be home with you.”
Taffy laughed, “It’s good to be with you anywhere, Grady.” Both began quickly undressing.
• • •
Maranda woke up before sunrise the next morning and went to the elevator. She took a remote off the rack next to the elevator and said, “Please take me to the roof.” The elevator door opened, and she stepped in. The ride was smooth and fast, but Maranda realized it took longer than it should have to just move to the roof. Was there something in the ceiling between the Henricks’ home and the roof? She stepped out of the elevator and walked to the closest transport. She used the remote to activate it and she climbed into the driver’s seat. She threw her bag into the passenger’s seat and lifted the transport off the roof. She flew directly away from the Government Building, not wanting to cause the defenses around it to challenge her. She turned south and increased speed. She saw Brisbane Park as the sun peeked over the horizon several miles ahead. Brisbane Park was where most of the wealthy on Melbourne made their homes. The security around the park was extensive and the mansions were huge. She flew closer and saw her family’s home in the center of the park surrounded by lush green fields of grass and trees. It was the largest mansion in Brisbane Park and she began moving toward the front of the large structure. She once called it gigantic but after seeing the Henricks’ quarters, it didn’t appear so large anymore. She landed to the side of the front entrance and saw a tall butler walking down the front steps to greet her. Maranda shutdown the transport and smiled, “Hello, Benjamin, it’s good to see you.”
The butler was surprised by Maranda’s remark and nodded, “It’s good to have you home, Miss Maranda. Your parents are awaiting your arrival in the dining room.”
She took her bag out of the passenger’s seat and started up the steps. A short female servant came down the steps and reached for Maranda’s bag. “That’s ok, Lola. I can carry it.”
“Oh no, Miss Maranda! I will take it to your room.” Maranda saw Lola’s fear and knew this wasn’t optional. She handed her bag to Lola and saw her struggle up the steps with it. Lola was getting up in years and carrying the heavy bag was difficult. But Maranda knew Lola could be fired if she didn’t take the bag. She sighed and entered the front entrance with Benjamin and Lola behind her. She walked toward the dining room and Lola turned to Benjamin, “Miss Maranda is different.” Benjamin nodded and didn’t know what to think about the change. This was the first time Maranda had ever spoken to him; she completely ignored him in the past.
• • •
Maranda walked through the large mansion toward the dining room and heard her father loudly chastising a servant before she arrived about spilling a drop of juice on the table. Well, some things never changed. She entered the dining room and her father saw her. He turned his attention from the servant he was yelling at and pointed to the chair on his left, “Maranda, come join us!” Her father paused and looked at his wrist, “You’re late!” Maranda did what she learned to do as a young girl; she kept her expression neutral and went
to her chair. It was three minutes after eight and she had arrived before eight. But that wasn’t good enough for her father. A servant carefully placed a glass of milk and orange juice in front of her and she took a huge swallow of the orange juice. She loved it and missed having it while serving on the Brer Rabbit. He father took a bite of eggs and said while chewing, “Are you commanding that ship?”
That was her father, always direct and to the point, “No, Father, I am not.”
Her father’s expression turned angry, “What’s the problem?! You know how to remove competitors from blocking you. Why haven’t you done it!? I didn’t pay for you to go to the academy and do nothing. I’m depending on you to quickly move up in rank and insure the military purchases more of our products!” He looked at his wife and said, “Clara, don’t you agree?”
Maranda’s mother looked at her from across the table and nodded, “You’ve never had problems in the past removing competitors. Your father is right, this should have been handled!”
Maranda fought hard to keep her expression neutral and felt something she never felt in the past…disgust. Matter of fact, she always admired her father for his determined approach to getting things done; she patterned her life after his. She almost lied telling them that it was going to happen quickly, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. She decided to handle it differently. “An issue arose that made me back off, Father.”
“What issue!”
“I don’t know if you’re aware of it but the commander of the mission I’m on is the majority share holder of Spring Hill Foods.”
Her father’s eyes flew wide open, “Are you telling me Grady Henricks is your commander!?”
Maranda should have been surprised but wasn’t. Her father kept his hands on the pulse of Melbourne’s economy and knew everything about the major corporations. “Yes, he is, Father. And his wife told me that if I did anything to jeopardize the mission, she would take steps to insure it wouldn’t happen again.”
“What steps?” her father asked in a shaky voice.
