Henry Gallant Saga 2: Lieutenant Henry Gallant

by H. Peter Alesso

  “I do dislike him,” contributed Alaina, emphatically.

  Gallant looked at her and then back to Hepburn. “Does he have the support of the majority of the population?”

  “Ostensibly, but it’s not a matter of support. The people follow his leadership for many of the reasons I gave. Actually, they’re ambivalent, but they are not about to cross him—not while he controls the planetary force shield. We have achieved an acceptable equilibrium of suppression and acceptance. Human tolerance for limited tyranny is exceptional, much like the lobster sitting in a pan of water as it is slowly brought to a boil.” Hepburn chuckled mildly at his own remark.

  They spent another pleasant hour together. Hepburn talked about his voyage from Ceres and his family. Gallant told them about his life growing up on terra-formed Mars. Despite the comfortable relationship they seemed to be developing, Gallant still felt a heavy presence of something important left unrevealed. And notwithstanding Gallant’s most sincere efforts, Hepburn remained reluctant to commit to any concrete arrangement between them. He was reticent to openly cross Wolfe or to make an agreement with the UP binding the colony.

  “I’m afraid my dissenting view has contaminated my granddaughter, who also acts defiantly, much to my concern,” said Hepburn.

  Alaina said, “I’m convinced the worse thing one can do is to remain idle in the face of tyranny—whether it’s a petty dictator, or worse. So I’ve agitated continuously until I’ve become a real thorn in Wolfe’s backside. I’ve organized a small group of like-minded thinkers who occasionally join me in protests.”

  “You’re going to get into trouble with the SSP,” said Hepburn sternly.

  She smiled proudly, got up, and kissed Hepburn on the forehead. “Grandfather, you needn’t worry. I can take care of myself.”

  Not the preferred response—Hepburn knew that—Gallant knew it, too.

  When Gallant asked him to explain further, Hepburn said, “Youth!” He shook his head back and forth in disbelief, shifted his eyes from one to the other of the young people he had as his audience. “You open yourself to dangers beyond your understanding.”

  “Dangers? What dangers are you speaking of?” asked Gallant. “We didn’t intend to disrupt your community.”

  “Of course you didn’t. You didn’t even know it existed. And yet you have. You have shaken us to our core.”

  Hepburn wasn’t a fool and Gallant could see something more beneath the surface.

  “Can you tell me what the people of Elysium need to support the Intrepid?”

  Hepburn frowned. “It is not for me to speak of others. I’m sorry. I am.”

  Gallant left the Hepburn residence, having learned much, but feeling perplexed.

  Why shouldn’t we be allies? What am I missing?

  CHAPTER 13

  A WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING

  The next day Junior and his men escorted Gallant to a prearranged meeting at Wolfe’s home on a bluff overlooking the colony. The home was the largest and most extensively furnished he had seen in the community.

  He walked on a thick woven rug into the library where Wolfe was waiting for him. Junior closed the room’s sliding doors and remained outside with his security officers.

  Wolfe was dressed in an old-fashioned black three-piece pin striped suit with extra-large lapels, which were so sharply pressed the suit appeared as if it might have never been worn. He looked rich, well fed, and distinguished, in a throw-back sort of way. His coiffed dark, gray-streaked hair was set-off by a white handkerchief peeking out from his breast pocket, highlighting a flamboyant style reminiscent of tough guys from twentieth-century Earth.

  The peculiar costume was so inappropriate to the lifestyle of the tropical islands it caused Gallant to make the leap—Wolfe was role-playing for his own self-deluded reasons—beyond Gallant’s comprehension.

  His chief of staff stood to his right beside a table, while off to one side of this well-lit room was a computer screen covered with small data columns, indistinguishable from a distance.

  Gallant stood for a moment gazing at the overall effect Wolfe had created before he walked forward and greeted him with the obligatory handshake.

  Wolfe rose from his chair as he shook hands. “Lieutenant Gallant, how good to see you again. I hope you’ve had an enjoyable day exploring our town, as well as a fruitful visit with Jim Hepburn.”

  “Yes, thank you. I had a chance to look around the community and talk to several of your citizens. You’ve accomplished quite a feat in both resisting the Titans and building a colony in so short a time.”

  Wolfe fairly beamed with pride. “Thank you. Thank you. I am pleased with my accomplishments. I took an unadorned hostile wilderness and molded it to my will. My story is one of courage, fortitude, and triumph—against overwhelming difficulties. I can close my eyes and see so much more ahead for Elysium. I’ve just begun, but rest assured, I will have my happy ending. This is a thriving community ready to accept the responsibilities of an independent planet.”

  “Is that your personal story?” said Gallant, noting Wolfe’s exclusive use of the first-person singular pronoun to lay credit for the success of the colony.

  “My story is the story of Elysium. My family circumstance began as I was growing up on the asteroid colony, Ceres. There were limited resources and competitive natures. I didn’t have as many friends as I do now. I studied hard and became a pilot for an ore hauler trucking raw material from mining sites to storage facilities and transport ships. Navigation through the asteroid field required the same skills as a fighter pilot, including using a neural interface. Something I’m sure you can appreciate.”

  He stopped, apparently seeking, and expecting, Gallant’s approval.

  There’s only one way to handle an egomaniac. Tell him what he wants to hear. “Piloting large ships through an asteroid field takes considerable skill.”

  Smiling his gratification, Wolfe continued, “When the Titans arrived at Ceres, they overwhelmed us, and sealed thousands of us into transports for the sublight journey to Tau Ceti. They packed all our asteroids life support systems along with our hydroponic gardens and fish aquariums. We survived the grueling journey—well, most of us. At least enough of us survived for the Titans to start their experiments. They dropped us into this friendly environment and they left us mostly alone. I took advantage of the freedom, and before long, they had reason to regret not taking me more seriously. The people of this colony understand how important deploying my planetary force shield was. We’ve lived undisturbed ever since.

  “I married while we were in transit and my son Cyrus Jr., was born shortly after we landed. He is a native-born citizen of this planet and it is to this planet he maintains allegiance—like so many of our young population. After driving off the Titans, I knew setting up the right type of government was a risk worth taking. Elysium has flourished under my guidance.

  “Scan us. You’ll see we have a force field powerful enough to deflect any nuclear weapons the Titans can send at us. We are completely safe and protected. Don’t worry about it. We need no assistance of any kind and would not welcome any interference in the governing of our planet. You can even consider me your insurance policy. If necessary, your entire crew may find sanctuary on Elysium if the Titans return—as subjects of my government, of course.” The last words had a faint emphasis upon them.

  “This informal discussion has covered our history and, I hope, given you an appreciation of our position,” said Wolfe, intent on maintaining his place of privilege.

  Clearly, Wolfe was as stubborn as he was prideful. Gallant remained thoughtful, but was becoming disillusioned with his prospects for a positive agreement with his host. He raised his eyebrow. “You intend for Elysium to be permanently independent—independent of the UP as well as the Titans?”

  Wolfe exhibited a poker player’s sense when holding the higher cards. “We are already independent.”

  “I congratulate you on your hard-earned accomplishments,” said
Gallant. “I assure you, the Intrepid is not seeking to disrupt Elysium’s way of life. We can accept your governing arrangement and agree not to interfere with your internal affairs.” Gallant thought the UP government might revisit that point.

  Wolfe grinned.

  Gallant continued, “I hope you are willing to discuss how we can work together. The Intrepid is primarily concerned about acquiring your assistance to effect repairs and replenishment.”

  “I will have to confer with my council.” Wolfe scowled as if ready to end discussions immediately.

  “The Intrepid needs massive assistance, and we have to act quickly before the Titans can recover from our last encounter. We are willing to fully respect your sovereignty in return for cooperation and any aid you can render.”

  Wolfe shifted in his seat, as if reconsidering his approach. He leaned forward, in Gallant’s face, and asked, “Are you an honest man?”

  “Yes,” Gallant said flatly, unimpressed.

  “Good. Good. Then let’s be honest. We need to be honest with each other if we are to survive the Titans and continue to thrive. Don’t we?” said Wolfe.

  “Of course I intend to speak openly and frankly,” said Gallant. He had hoped to put everything on the table and negotiate fairly, but that wasn’t going to happen. He was sure Wolfe meant he should be honest. He was equally sure Wolfe had no intention of doing likewise.

  “Good. Good. Then let’s hash out a deal, shall we?”

  “Yes. I am eager to cooperate,” said Gallant, matching what he assumed was Wolfe’s chicanery. “I will have to, of course, get my commanding officer’s approval of any agreement, as I’m sure you will also seek the consensus of your population.”

  “Of course, absolutely. Can’t do anything without the peoples’ concurrence, can we?”

  “In return for access to your planet’s resources and whatever manpower and machinery you can spare, the Intrepid can offer synthetic food synthesizers to supplement your farming and food stuffs.”

  Wolfe made a sour face. “You’re going to require considerable manpower and equipment that will overtax our small community, and all you have to offer is synthesizers? No thanks. Besides our world has an overwhelming abundance of edible fruits, plants, animals, and fish. Surely you can’t expect us to eat synthesized food and work long hours under dangerous mining conditions for you?”

  “Let’s stick to business,” urged Gallant. “What can we offer of immediate value to you?”

  “This whole discussion is wide of the point.”

  “What do you mean?” asked Gallant.

  “This world is fertile and rich with resources. We have much to look forward to without any great needs you could fill.”

  “Perhaps we could provide assistance developing uranium and heavy metals for a nuclear power plant? It would offer you all the electrical power you could need for the foreseeable future.”

  “That’s a promising start, but I require much more.”

  “What can we offer you?”

  “Guns.” Wolfe’s real demand finally became clear. The demand they had been dancing around for two days. He continued enthusiastically, “Weapons—in addition to one of your existing nuclear reactors—and go capture the Titan destroyer and turn it over to us. I think we could benefit from our own space force.”

  I’d be a fool to agree to that. I’ll never agree to that, Gallant wanted to scream.

  However, the one thing more wrong than agreeing was to openly disagree. Gallant was forced toward guile and subterfuge of his own. Still he had severe misgiving about negotiating in less than good faith.

  Gallant said, “Why do you need weapons? You have your force field to protect you against the Titans.”

  “I’m trying to build a state. I need to develop military forces to protect my government and my people.”

  “This is beyond what I am authorized to negotiate,” said Gallant.

  That sounded weak. I’ve got to be more forceful.

  “You’re smart. Don’t do something stupid—like walk out.”

  “We need to work together,” said Gallant.

  “Are you saying I have an obligation to provide you with all this planet’s resources, free of charge? Are you without any obligation for the sacrifice you require of us?”

  “I’m not sure it would be possible to transfer so much technology and weaponry. Especially considering only one of our reactors is fully functional at the moment.”

  “Don’t jump to conclusions. We have many more issues to address. Besides, even if this effort proves fruitless, it is still a good first step. Perhaps if you could explain the Intrepid’s needs in more detail so I know how I could help?”

  Gallant began to explain the details of the facilities he needed to construct to produce the exotic materials necessary for the Intrepid’s repair. “Does that help?”

  “Of course not. I’m not a scientist. But I do understand your generic need for metals and facilities to produce exotic material,” said Wolfe excitedly. He calmed down and continued, “I’ve a problem, Lieutenant. A problem your ship started when it appeared. If the Titans had any sense, they would have simply blown you apart with their missiles instead of foolishly trying to capture your ship. I’m certain they were envious of your FTL drive, a tempting prize they couldn’t let escape their grasp. So here we are. You are in desperate need of repairs. The Titan ship is limping off to lick its wounds as well, and I . . . I, huh, have an excited and agitated population with too much curiosity.”

  Gallant observed Wolfe carefully and estimated the secret of his successful leadership was his ability to get people to agree to a process under his control. He had a variety of social talents to convince people to follow his lead. However, he also was a large, powerful man with an imposing presence, dominating those around him physically, emotionally, as well as intellectually with his dynamic personality. Gallant surmised, after dealing with Wolfe for a while, one was likely to believe they had reached a consensus, only to find Wolfe had a different opinion of what they had agreed to.

  Wolfe returned to the discussion with his usual easy manner, but he did not smile. Being forthright must have disrupted his train of thought and he needed to recapture Gallant’s attention to respond directly to his own needs.

  “If we had a greater industrial capacity, we could manufacture the parts you desire, but as you can see, our small community maintains a tiny industry—only enough to support our tiny population—hardly any excess for your considerable needs. I might’ve told you over the radio and saved you a trip, but its better you came and saw our homes and abilities for yourself,” he said, mimicking a humble and modest expression.

  Wolfe’s dealing with the local population had made him confident in his political skills. He was looking for any advantage he could exploit over the young lieutenant before him. He hoped to maneuver the circumstances to enhance his position, not to help the Intrepid.

  Gallant considered his opponent. No, it’s probably worse than that. Wolfe’s afraid the Intrepid could upset the local balance of power.

  Wolfe continued drily, “You’ve heard the essence of my ideas, but would it surprise you to hear I’ve considered these matters diligently and have found a compromise?”

  “A compromise?”

  “Yes. You should understand we need the ability to defend ourselves; the force shield may not always be enough. We also require small arms and larger weapons—weapons you could provide to enhance our security while you construct mining and manufacturing sites to overhaul your ship,” said Wolfe.

  He frowned seeing Gallant’s negative expression. “You’re not in a strong bargaining position. It’s absolutely unbelievable you haven’t immediately accepted my terms. I’ve been quite generous.”

  Gallant was sickened by the words he now had to speak, yet knowing he had no choice. “The Intrepid can provide small arms and weapons for local defense, and we can help you develop nuclear power on Elysium. It may be possible to capture the Titan des
troyer and turn it over to you, as well. All of these matters will be subject to my captain’s agreement.”

  “Now that wasn’t so hard, was it?” Wolfe laughed gleefully, as if he was ready to devour Gallant whole, in one gulp.

  Wolfe moved a few sheets of paper from a pad on the table and spread them out. “Here’s what we’re proposing in more detail.”

  “A treaty?” asked Gallant.

  “Yes. You will be able to witness the wisdom of our agreement. We will expand on this simple draft to a more comprehensive treaty including the details of what we have agreed to, identifying obligations of Elysium and obligations of the United Planets. It will be ready in a few days. You have time to relay the basics to your commanding officer. Then, at an appropriate date, we can have a formal treaty signing ceremony.”

  At the moment, Gallant had no more options. He put up his hands as a gesture of surrender.

  Wolfe looked at him with gritted teeth. “I think we have much to review and we should set a time to meet soon for additional discussions.”

  Gallant considered the basic deal points he had agreed to. The Intrepid gained the right to mine necessary resources, plus additional labor and machinery, in return for providing Wolfe weapons and eventually, a Titan ship.

  The final decision is now in the hands of Neumann and the colonists.

  CHAPTER 14

  THE DEAL