Superdreadnought 6

by C H Gideon

  The four of them stumbled to the door of the Solar Suite. “Get them back to Boromite Mountain, will you?” Jiya said to Betrain, who was still on duty. The dour male nodded, not making eye contact. With a shrug, she turned to the two drunks. “Thanks for a great evening, boys.”

  Stervin gave Ka’nak a resounding kiss on the cheek. “You’re so cute.” He sighed, his eyes jiggling. “And now you have four eyes, just like you’re supposed to. The two heads are kinda weird, though.”

  The big Melowi twisted out of the soldier’s grip, almost tumbling the Reichofen to the floor. “And you have too many hands. Thanks for the drink.” He wrenched the door open and stalked through.

  Jiya gave them a little wave and followed her crewmate. Shutting the door behind her, she leaned against it and smiled at the rest of the crew. She held up the small red device she’d twisted off Quardle’s uniform. “Look what I found.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Jiya explained the significance of the authenticator while Geroux scanned and prodded it.

  “I can modify our comm devices to produce this signal,” the computer whiz said. “It’s surprisingly elegant, given the other tech on this planet. I wonder who created it.”

  “With luck, we’ll never need to know,” Reynolds said. “And hopefully, we’ll never need to use it. Remember, our priority is tualinton and getting the hell off this rock.” He grinned at Ka’nak. “How was your evening, big guy?”

  Ka’nak snorted. “The beverage was tolerable. The company, not so much. So many hands!” He rubbed his behind.

  “We learned how to get out of here,” Jiya argued. “And we also learned these guys cannot hold their liquor.”

  “I wonder how we can use that to our advantage?” Maddox mused. “Maybe slip something into Titus’ drink?”

  “We’ll have a whole Congress to deal with next time,” Reynolds reminded him. “Spiking the punch might be the answer, and not so different from what they tried to do to us.” He paused, holding up a hand. Yes, L’Eliana, I read you.

  Sir, I just got a message from Comm, the Pod pilot reported. He says someone is trying to hack into the ship’s databases. They’re searching for weapons systems. So far, they’ve been unable to access anything, but they keep trying. Asya put the ship on alert, and they’re watching for external threats.

  Thanks, L’Eliana, Reynolds replied. Keep me posted. The android looked at his crew. “It seems our hosts might be trying to take what they want rather than playing nice.”

  “They told us they would,” Maddox replied. “Several times.”

  “Too bad it won’t be as easy as they think,” Ka’nak said, cracking his neck and knuckles. “Is it time to break some heads? Jiya wouldn’t let me join the brawl in town.”

  “Jiya is wise beyond her years,” Reynolds replied. “No head-breaking, Ka’nak. Yet. Takal, how’s your subterfuge coming?”

  Takal looked up from his wrist computer, nodding. “It’s progressing well. I have modified the planetary defense schematics to create a less robust system. It would be best if we supplied some of the internal workings as part of our negotiation. Perhaps tell them the circuits are too complex to build quickly, but we can provide them? That way, we can prevent them from understanding the technology unless they cannibalize their system.”

  “Won’t they want spares?” Maddox asked. “I’d demand them.”

  “Can you rig up any spares to self-destruct if they’re opened?” Reynolds asked. “Voiding the warranty is serious business.”

  The old scientist grinned. “I can do that.”

  “Geroux.” Reynolds swung around to face the female. “They’re trying to hack our system. Recommendations?”

  She tapped on her device, shaking her head. “From what I can see, they’re no match for us. Basic hacking one-oh-one. We can keep blocking them, or we can set up a maze that will appear to let them in and keep them busy for hours. It depends on what you want them to think.”

  “They believe they are in a position of strength right now,” Maddox mused. “They’ve got us locked up, unable to communicate with our ship or depart the planet.” They all laughed. “The Congress and Titus are going to view us as a weaker party to be exploited. If Comm continues to block them, that gives us a stronger perceived position, which might or might not be what you want.”

  Reynolds nodded. “They’re going to demand offensive weapons again. We could just walk away, but we need that tualinton. From what Taneral said, it’s difficult to find in this galaxy.”

  “Speaking of Taneral—" Jiya looked around the room, spotting the sleeping alien on the same couch she’d occupied when she and Ka’nak left hours before. “Is she still okay?”

  “She’s fine,” Geroux said, glancing up from her computer. “The signals emanating from the wall can’t get through the additional protections I added to her helmet, but the underlying ‘sleep beam’ is keeping her down.” She yawned. “I figured out how to replicate it. If it worked on us, we could have solved insomnia. I might be able to come up with some other uses.”

  Reynolds waved at the females. “You know I won’t allow harm to come to my people. Taneral might not be crew, but she’s my responsibility. Now, let’s focus on the task at hand.”

  “Sorry,” Jiya said. “You were saying we need the tualinton.”

  The AI nodded. “This is still our best opportunity to get it, but we won’t give them what they want. What if we let them take it? Would that satisfy them?”

  “How’s that any different?” Ka’nak demanded. “You can’t seriously think they should have the ESD?”

  “Hell, no!” Reynolds said. “I’m suggesting we create a weapon system for them to ‘find’ in our database. Geroux can set up her maze and lead them to the schematics for an ultra ESD. Can you make a dud system that looks powerful?”

  Geroux smiled. It was not a nice smile. “I can go one better than that.”

  While Reynolds, Takal, and Geroux worked on the fake weapon, Ka’nak, Jiya, and Maddox got some sleep. “I heard someone say pilo matches can go all night,” Jiya said, yawning again. “They might not be ready to talk to us until tomorrow.”

  “And if they think we’re asleep from their mind-beam,” Maddox said, “they may not be in any hurry. Or maybe keeping us uncertain is part of their negotiating tactics.”

  “I didn’t get the impression Titus was big on tactics,” Reynolds said. “Vernish, on the other hand... I wouldn’t be surprised if she demands a meeting at oh-dark-thirty.”

  Once he’d approved Geroux’s plan, Reynolds sent the two scientists to bed. “I don’t need sleep, but I need everyone sharp at the meeting. Grab some Zs while you can.”

  Geroux argued, but Takal dragged her to a bench. “Just close your eyes for a few minutes. Reynolds is quite capable of doing this and watching over us.”

  Silence fell in the gray cell, interrupted only by the occasional snore. Reynolds worked on the program, passing parts of it off to his alternate identities on the ship. That’s one advantage to having multiple mes, he said to no one in particular. Distribution of effort.

  We’re an AI, Comm replied. We can do that without being split into pieces.

  True, but there’s something restful about being able to hand work off to you and not think about it again, Reynolds said. As good as taking a nap. He gazed fondly at his crew, snoring away around him.

  The pounding on the door came just before dawn. The heavy metal slammed open and Vernish stomped in, leading a troop of twenty guards. Reynolds stood in the middle of the room, staring at the open door as if he’d been waiting there all night. Which he had.

  Vernish stumbled to a halt, surprised by Reynolds’ unnerving stare. Around him, the crew yawned and stretched, ignoring the armed aliens. Jiya kept her damaged shoulder turned away from the troops. Geroux had treated the burn with the emergency first aid kit integral to each armored suit, but Jiya’s suit still had a hole. I should have gotten this repaired. Or at least covered.
r />   Pull a blanket around your shoulders like you’re cold, Geroux suggested.

  Jiya winked at her friend.

  “The Congress will meet with you,” Vernish said. “Now.”

  “Perhaps part of my crew could stay here and rest some more,” Reynolds suggested. “The suite is comfortable, and they are tired.”

  Comfortable? Ka’nak asked. In what universe?

  Hush, Jiya said. We’re weak and defenseless, remember? Grateful for any concessions.

  They’ve seen our weapons, the warrior argued. How can they possibly think we’re weak?

  Short-sighted? Arrogant? Stupid? Take your pick, Jiya replied.

  No, don’t ever think of the enemy as stupid, Reynolds broke in. That makes you as arrogant and short-sighted as them.

  “They should have gotten plenty of sleep,” Vernish said. “Everyone out!” She executed an impressive three-legged about-face and marched out the door.

  The Reynolds team got to their feet and wandered out in her wake.

  “Your Congress has to meet with us,” Reynolds noted, stretching his legs to keep up with the aliens’ rolling movements.

  “They will be present to observe and advise the supreme commander,” Vernish replied. “You will not address them unless they ask you a direct question.”

  “They’re observing Titus?” Reynolds asked. “Is he under review?”

  “NO!” Vernish’s head snapped around. She shot a glare at Reynolds, then looked to the front again. “The supreme commander has full authority. The Congress is here to observe you.”

  Reynolds nodded. “Makes sense. I hope they like what they see. I should have sent my uniform out for dry-cleaning.”

  “Enough frivolity!” Vernish snapped.

  She must have missed her morning coffee, Jiya quipped, tying the corners of the blanket around her neck like a cape as she walked.

  The best part of waking up… Ka’nak sang.

  Have you been watching commercials now? Reynolds moaned. “I just want to make a good first impression,” he said aloud to Vernish.

  She ignored him.

  Reynolds, Comm here. The voice came through to the entire crew. Reichofen hacker one has breached the first faux firewall. They’re in the maze.

  Roger, Reynolds replied. Keep me posted. L’Eliana?

  Here, sir! she replied.

  Fly up to the ship and get the pieces Engineering fabricated, Reynolds said. Have them waiting on the airfield as soon as possible.

  Aye, sir! the Telluride replied.

  The team was led into a huge room that looked like every other room in the palace. A group of thirty or so aliens milled about at the far end. Titus stood to one side, ignored by all. Vernish strode across the open middle of the room and saluted sharply. “Hail Titus!”

  The assorted aliens raised their hands slowly and muttered, “Hail Titus.”

  “Supreme Commander,” Vernish announced. “The crew of the Reynolds is present.”

  Titus waved her away and strolled over to Reynolds. “How’d you sleep?” he asked with a toothy grin.

  Reynolds nodded. “Thank you for the fine accommodations. How was your pilo match?”

  “Those kremfar didn’t know what hit them!” Titus cried, his eyes lighting up. “We wiped up the court with them.”

  “I would have liked to have seen you play,” Reynolds commented.

  “You woulda been amazed. Pilo is a vicious sport, and my team is awesome.” Titus leaned in close. “When this is done, maybe we can grab a Fanta and take in a match.”

  “That sounds entertaining,” Reynolds replied.

  A coughing noise interrupted their chit chat. “The Congress has assembled, Supreme Commander,” one of the aliens said in a condescending tone. “Perhaps we can discuss games when the business is complete.”

  “I hate that guy,” Titus muttered under his breath. “Stupid blowhard.”

  Reynolds glanced at the alien, but he didn’t seem to realize he’d spoken aloud. Or care.

  Second firewall is down, Comm reported privately.

  I hope this goes quickly, Ka’nak complained. Would it kill them to have a couple chairs in here?

  “All right, let’s get this done,” Titus called out. The Congress members moved closer, leaving a clear space around Reynolds’ team. Titus turned to the android. “I want your big-ass laser gun.”

  “I’m sorry,” Reynolds replied, “but offensive weaponry is off the table. I can offer you a planetary defense system.” He waved his crew forward.

  Geroux and Takal set up a projection on a nearby wall. They described the benefits of the defensive ring, showing a simulation of an attack being repelled. Several of the assembled gasped.

  “That is impressive,” one of the Congress began, but Titus cut him off.

  “Big deal, it shoots down the bad guys,” Titus jeered. “Our ships can do that. Give us something we really want.”

  “But Commander,” the alien protested. Titus waved him silent.

  The conversation went around and around for hours, interrupted on Reynolds’ side by updates from Comm.

  Third firewall breached.

  They watched Takal’s presentation again.

  Faux demo viewed, Comm said.

  “I want the big weapons!” Titus cried. “The fucking big-ass blaster thingy!”

  Weapon specs and documentation downloaded, Comm reported.

  “Enough of this!” Titus called, yelling over the Congress’ discussions. “I’m tired. We’ll take the damn defensive ring. Vernish, get them the tualinton. I got a match.” He stomped out without another word.

  The Congress members and the Reynolds crew stared at each other for a few breathless seconds.

  “I guess that’s it, then,” one of the aliens said. “Send us the specs, the components, and the spares. Take your rocks and be on your way.”

  “Thanks?” Reynolds said, but no one answered. The aliens scuttled out as fast as their three legs would carry them.

  Vernish stomped up. “I have had the tualinton delivered to the airfield. Shall we go?”

  Sir, I’m not sure this is tualinton, San Roche reported from the Pod. Does tualinton have blinking lights?

  Don’t load the Pod, Reynolds said. “Let’s go. My pilot is concerned about the delivery.”

  Vernish didn’t reply. She snapped again, and the escort fell in around them. At the front of the building, they loaded into a single transport. This time, she didn’t invite Reynolds to ride in the front.

  Do you think they’re taking us to the Pod? Jiya asked. Or back to Boromite Mountain?

  My mapping app shows us headed the right way, Geroux replied.

  They met San Roche at the Pod. The little Telluride pointed to a blocky pile covered in a tarp. “They said that’s the stuff, but isn’t tualinton a mineral or metal? Something natural?”

  Reynolds twitched the covering aside. “This looks like electronics.” He leveled a look at Vernish. “It almost looks like a bomb. Or several bombs.”

  That’s exactly what it is, Takal said. Good thing San Roche didn’t load it.

  “Must be some kind of mistake,” Vernish muttered. “Take that away,” she hollered at her escort. “Where’s the tualinton I ordered?!”

  “I don’t know what kind of shit you’re trying to pull,” Reynolds said, getting right in Vernish’s face. “You won’t get what you want until we get what we want. I suggest you bring the tualinton immediately.”

  “I don’t care for your insinuations,” Vernish ground out. “There must have been some miscommunication. The tualinton will arrive momentarily.”

  There’s that word again, Ka’nak said.

  A few minutes later, another tank drove up. Four soldiers climbed out of the back and unloaded a pallet weighed down with full fabric totes. Reynolds motioned for Takal to check the contents. The old scientist ran a device over the big bags and nodded.

  There’s a bomb at the bottom of this tote. The old inventor patted one
of the bags of granular ore. We can leave this one behind. There’s plenty in the others.

  Leave it to me, Reynolds said. “San Roche! Send your bots out to load this stuff.”

  The bots trundled out of the Pod and moved the first three totes into the vehicle. Reynolds held up a hand. “We don’t have room for that one,” he told Vernish. “We’ll have to come back for it. Load up, everyone!”

  “Wait!” Vernish cried, blocking into the Pod door. “Nothing leaves the ground until we get our defensive ring!”

  “You have the modules and the spares,” Reynolds said, pointing to the little pile of boxes near her transport. “The specs will be downloaded to your computer…now.” Go ahead, Comm.

  A noise blared from Vernish’s belt, and she pulled a radio from it. “Vernish, go. Very good. Out.” She pushed Reynolds away from the Pod. “Perhaps you’d like to wait in the palace for your Pod to return.”

  “We’ll just go up to the ship and send the Pod back down when we’ve emptied it,” Reynolds said, motioning for the crew to climb in. Geroux and Taneral got inside before one of the huge aliens blocked the door, weapons drawn

  “If there isn’t room for that tote, there can’t be room for your crew,” Vernish said, brandishing an enormous blaster.

  I was afraid of this, Reynolds said. Take it up, San Roche. Cloak as soon as you are out of sight. They may try to take you out. L’Eliana, be ready to launch, he told the other pilot. We’ll clean up this mess and be along in a few moments.

  Aye, sir, the two replied in unison. The little ship launched, blowing air and exhaust as it zipped away from the airfield.

  “We’d prefer to wait here,” Reynolds told Vernish. “And the weapons are not necessary.”

  “I’ll tell you what’s necessary,” Vernish growled. “What’s necessary is you will do what you’re told. Now get into the transport!””

  Take them, Reynolds said.

  Jiya and Ka’nak slapped their cloaking devices and disappeared. They each yanked a modified screamer from their belts. Without throwing them, they activated the devices. The twenty soldiers standing before them suddenly collapsed to the ground, unconscious.