by Ryk Brown
Jessica cast a sidelong glance at Nathan. “How long did you spend in that VR thing?”
“It’s a fascinating world,” Nathan insisted. “Its political and economic systems are unlike anything we’ve ever come across.”
Jessica rolled her eyes. “At least I know you weren’t trolling VR strip clubs.”
* * *
“We are approaching SilTek headquarters,” the transport’s autopilot announced. “Please prepare for landing.”
“Not as impressive as I’d expected,” Nathan commented as their transport descended toward the rooftop flight deck.
“What were you expecting,” Jessica wondered, also gazing out the window at the complex below, “a crystal palace?”
“Throughout history, organizations holding considerable power over others have chosen to headquarter themselves in structures reflecting their level of influence, as a way of reminding those they control of that power,” Nathan explained.
“Maybe they’re not as big as Mister Vout wants us to believe?”
“Doubtful,” Nathan disagreed. “If that were the case, why show us their modest administrative offices?”
“There’s nothing modest about this world,” Jessica insisted. “It may not be covered with skyscrapers and ornate palaces, but it is quite nice.”
“From what we’ve seen so far,” Nathan added as their transport gently touched down. Nathan’s door opened, and he climbed out of the transport, offering Jessica his hand.
“What a gentleman,” she teased, accepting his gesture.
“Welcome to SilTek headquarters,” Miss Bindi greeted as she walked toward them. “I hope you enjoyed the ride over.”
“Indeed, we did,” Nathan replied. “You have an amazing world, Miss Bindi. Is your entire planet as clean and well landscaped?”
“Oh, no,” Miss Bindi chuckled. “Only the populated areas, which covers roughly one third of our planet’s landmass. The rest is agricultural land and wilderness, the latter of which we try to leave as undisturbed as possible.”
“A difficult task for a growing society,” Nathan commented.
“Our growth rate is strictly controlled,” Miss Bindi stated as she led them toward the rooftop foyer. “We achieved a balance between population needs and planetary resources more than a hundred years ago.”
“Yet, you seek to expand your area of sales,” Nathan commented. “Does that not require increasing your population, as well?”
“We use automation to fill that void,” Miss Bindi explained as they entered the foyer. “Our population has remained constant for the last one hundred and twenty-seven years.”
“How do you control population growth?” Jessica wondered.
“Procreation is not a right on SilTek, it is a privilege” Miss Bindi responded as she led them across the foyer to the elevators. “Tekan males are born unable to impregnate a female. The sterilization is easily reversed but requires a procreation permit that is good for at least two children, one of each sex. After the children have been born, the sterilization is reinstated to avoid accidental impregnation.”
“What if a couple wants a larger family?” Jessica asked.
“Permits for additional children are available, but on a very limited basis. The idea is to keep the population of our world well within our planet’s natural carrying capacity.”
“But, accidents must happen from time to time,” Nathan posited as they entered the elevator.
“Of course,” Miss Bindi admitted as she activated the elevator. “That is why we keep the population well below SilTek’s carrying capacity.”
“Seems like a reasonable solution,” Nathan admitted.
“You seem somewhat surprised,” Miss Bindi realized.
“It’s just that you’re the first world we’ve come across that limits procreation. Most worlds are still struggling to grow their populations to full industrialization levels,” Nathan told her.
“That’s because they lack our level of automation,” Miss Bindi replied. “That is one of the reasons we are trying to sell our automation to other worlds.”
The elevator slowed to a stop and then began traveling sideways.
“This elevator moves laterally, as well as vertically?” Nathan wondered.
“Yes, however, we do not refer to them as elevators; we call them cubes. They allow us to spread our facilities out, rather than building vertically, while still being able to move about with ease.”
“I would have thought you would use more telepresence than actual presence,” Nathan commented.
“Telepresence has its place,” Miss Bindi admitted. “However, we value the actual over the virtual, whenever possible. Transport cubes make that possible.”
“So, you’d rather take the time to ride a cube across the campus, to have a brief conversation with someone, than just call them over a communications device?” Jessica wondered. “Seems kind of inefficient.”
“We believe any efficiency that robs us of our humanity, and leads to the deterioration of our interpersonal relationships, actually makes us less efficient in the long run,” Miss Bindi explained. “Speed is not the end goal, rather quality. Quality of our products, our society, and our lives. Those are the core beliefs that all Tekans live by.”
The cube doors opened, revealing a large lobby with several reception desks. “If you’ll follow me,” she prompted, leading them out of the cube.
Nathan surveyed the surroundings as they followed Miss Bindi across the lobby. Much like its exterior, the interior of SilTek’s headquarters, although well appointed, was not unduly so. The decor was stylish, but not ostentatious like most seats of power. He was unsure what this difference meant, but it left him with a positive impression.
After crossing the lobby, Miss Bindi led them into a private meeting area with a large picture window at one end.
“Missus Batista will be with you shortly,” Miss Bindi told them. “Meanwhile, can I get you anything? Something to eat or drink, perhaps?”
“I’m fine, thank you,” Nathan replied.
“I’m still full of whatever it was we had for breakfast,” Jessica admitted.
“As you wish. Please, make yourselves comfortable. I’m certain she will not be long.”
Nathan strolled over to the picture window as Miss Bindi disappeared through a side door. “Nice gardens, at least.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, they have a nice garden,” Nathan said, gesturing toward the window.
“At least?”
“I’m just not sure what to make of all this,” Nathan explained. “Their world seems ideal, at least from the air. They seem to be very efficient, with very little waste, and yet are also very cognizant of how the use of technology impacts their civilization.”
“Seems like a good thing, if you ask me,” Jessica declared as she made herself comfortable on one of the three couches in the room.
“It is,” Nathan continued, “but it’s also very uncharacteristic of humanity.”
“I never pegged you for a pessimist,” Jessica said.
“Humanity has been trying to create utopian societies since before recorded history, and it always ends in failure for pretty much the same reason.”
“Which is?”
“Everyone has a different idea of utopia,” Nathan explained. “The whole reason behind the initial push to colonize extrasolar worlds was to enable humans to create their own perfect societies, free from the restraints of the unified Earth government of the twenty-second century. The idea was that starting over was the only way to build a perfect society because the trappings of the past always got in the way. But no one ever really succeeded, because of the one common denominator: humans.”
“An imperfect species cannot create a perfect society,” Jessica stated. “I remember that from philosophy cl
ass.”
“You studied philosophy?” Nathan asked, shocked.
“Not because I wanted to, I assure you.”
“I wonder how much their automation had to do with all of this,” Nathan wondered, gazing out the massive window.
“Quite a lot, actually,” a female voice replied.
From the side door, a middle-aged woman, dressed in gray and white business attire, entered the room. She had shorter hair, cropped just above her shoulders, with only the slightest hint of gray, which she appeared to wear with pride. She was confident and graceful, and, at first glance, reminded Nathan of his mother. “Captain Scott, Lieutenant Commander Nash, I am Ariana Batista, leader of SilTek. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
“The pleasure is all mine,” Nathan replied, shaking her hand politely. “Thank you for seeing us on such short notice.”
“Normally, I do not do so,” Ariana admitted. “As you might expect, I am a very busy woman. However, since I suspect you are equally as busy, I thought we might have a preliminary discussion to sort of feel each other out, so to speak. You see, I rarely meet with anyone without a team of advisors at my side. But, unless I know for certain what you are proposing, I know not which advisors to have on hand.”
“Understandable,” Nathan replied, following her to the center of the room.
“They tell me you are the Aurora’s chief of security and the protector of Captain Scott,” Ariana said to Jessica as she shook her hand. “Are the stories I have been told true? Are you really a badass?”
“Yes ma’am,” Jessica replied with equal confidence.
Ariana nodded. “I am impressed, Lieutenant Commander.” Ariana looked at Nathan. “The stories of your exploits are as equally impressive, Captain Scott. I must admit, however, I had not heard of you prior to receiving your request to meet. Needless to say, it made for some interesting reading. So,” she continued, taking a seat on the couch across from Jessica, “what type of business arrangement do you seek?”
“I was hoping to convince your world to join our alliance,” Nathan admitted, taking a seat next to Jessica.
“I’m sure Mister Vout informed you that SilTek does not get involved in conflicts between other worlds. We consider neutrality an important element of our ongoing business success, especially now that the jump drive has reached our corner of the galaxy.”
“He did, and I appreciate your decision, however shortsighted it may be,” Nathan replied.
“You don’t hold back, do you, Captain,” Ariana observed, one eyebrow slightly raised.
“I’m afraid I can’t afford that luxury.”
“I suppose this is where you explain to me that the Dusahn are a threat to everyone, and that it is only a matter of time before they come knocking at our door, as well.”
“I would not dream of insulting your intelligence,” Nathan assured her. “I trust you have done your research on the Dusahn, as well.”
“I have. As expected, they are frighteningly ruthless and have little regard for human life.”
“They see humans as resources,” Nathan explained, “to be exploited in order to achieve their own goals.”
“And, what are those goals?”
“One cannot be certain,” Nathan admitted. “However, based on their history and their actions, I can only assume they seek to build an empire that cannot be defeated.”
“So, you expect them to expand their sphere of control.”
“I don’t think they care about the number of worlds they control,” Nathan clarified. “I believe they care more about the number of industrialized, technologically advanced worlds they control. This makes SilTek a prime target.”
“Would you be surprised to learn that the Dusahn are not the only threat out there?” Ariana asked.
“Honestly, I would not.”
“Really?” Ariana examined her guest for a moment. “I would have pegged you for an optimist, Captain Scott. After all, you are taking on an empire with only a single warship.”
“I am a student of history,” Nathan replied. “Humans are a ruthless species, capable of evil, as well as good. We are able to convince ourselves that one plus one equals four if we need it to be true. This is how we survive against all odds. The problem occurs when we become so convinced that our beliefs are justified, that we stop listening to, and respecting the opinions of, those who do not believe as we do. The Dusahn are such people. They are so convinced in their right to rule over all others that they see no action serving that goal as unjust. Sadly, they will not be the last, since history is replete with such men and women.”
“Mostly men, I suspect,” Ariana added with a smile.
Nathan also smiled. “Yes, mostly men.”
“And what happens when the next would-be ruler rears his ugly head? The galaxy cannot always count on another Nathan Scott coming to its rescue.”
“And it shouldn’t have to,” Nathan agreed. “History is also replete with attempts to form coalitions aimed at preventing the rise of such people, to protect the liberty of all its members. The trouble is that they, too, usually failed.”
“Any idea as to why they failed?”
“I actually wrote a paper on that very subject in college. My position was that they failed because they continually tried to impose their collective beliefs onto all member nations. Later, because of their might, they would impose those same beliefs on nonmember nations, as well.”
“It doesn’t seem like an unreasonable way to ensure order,” Ariana said.
“When you negotiate a business deal with another company, do you tell them how to dress, or how to do their accounting, or whom they should associate with? No, because those issues are not germane to the deal.”
“But common ideals lead to better relations between entities,” Ariana insisted.
“Perhaps, but there are limits,” Nathan argued, “and those limits are breached when such coalitions believe they have the right to tell others how to live and what to believe. Wars are generally fought over one of three things: political beliefs, religious beliefs, or resources. I believe that humanity, now that it has the jump drive, can finally overcome those three causes of conflict.”
“I think you put more faith in the jump drive than it deserves, Captain,” Ariana argued. “After all, as wonderful an invention as it is, it still has its own limitations. It is simply a faster method of transportation than linear FTL.”
“What if I told you that its range is potentially unlimited?” Nathan replied. “And that it is still in its infancy?”
“I would ask for proof to back your claims.”
“Not only have we developed a stealth version of the jump drive, but we have also managed to increase the Aurora’s single-jump range to over five hundred light years, and, within weeks, it will have a two-jump range of more than one thousand light years.”
“I would wonder how you had managed that on your own,” Ariana replied, failing to hide her curiosity.
“We have the inventor of the jump drive working with us.”
“Doctor Sorenson is a member of your alliance?” Ariana was in shock.
“Abigail Sorenson is a personal friend. She and Deliza Ta’Akar are the leaders of our research and development division. In fact, we are currently developing a jump missile able to penetrate the Dusahn’s shields; technology that recently helped us defeat four Dusahn battleships with barely a scratch on the Aurora.”
Ariana studied Nathan for a moment before replying. “I would say…we need to schedule further discussions.”
* * *
“What do you think?” Jessica queried as they rode the cube across the SilTek campus toward the product pavilions.
“She seems quite certain in her position and beliefs, and she doesn’t seem easily swayed,” Nathan replied.
“But the fact that she is willin
g to talk further is a good sign, right?”
“Well, I suppose it’s better than being shown the door, but I wouldn’t get your hopes up just yet.”
“That was a good idea to drop Abby’s name,” Jessica complimented, “but why Deliza?”
“Because she probably doesn’t know her, so she’ll have her people do some research before we meet again,” Nathan explained. “Then she’ll know that not only is Deliza a genius in her own right, but is also the leader of a successful interstellar tech company, as well as the rightful heir to the throne of Takara. Once the Dusahn are defeated, Deliza Ta’Akar is going to be a woman Ariana Batista will want as a friend.”
“Wouldn’t it have been easier to just tell her that?”
“It will have more of an impact if she learns it on her own,” Nathan explained. “That will give us an edge.”
“I’m not following,” Jessica admitted. “How exactly will that work in our favor?”
“My father once told me that people in positions of power usually believe they are smarter than everyone else. If she believes that we don’t realize how valuable a business relationship with Deliza could be for her, she’ll feel like she has the advantage going into negotiations.”
“So, you’re playing stupid,” Jessica decided.
“Something like that,” Nathan replied. “Trust me, it’s better for her to believe she’s smarter than us.”
“Is she?”
“Probably,” Nathan admitted.
The cube came to a stop, and the doors opened.
“Why are we here again?” Jessica wondered as they started down the corridor toward the first of five product pavilions.
“This is supposed to be a series of showrooms of SilTek products,” Nathan explained. “I’m pretty sure Ariana recommended we come here to impress us with their product lines before beginning negotiations.”
“Like what? A bunch of android nurses?” Jessica’s jaw dropped as they reached the end of the corridor and entered the first pavilion. “Oh…my…God.”
Before them was a dome-shaped pavilion at least twice the size of the Aurora’s main hangar bay and nearly as tall. All around the perimeter were different types of automated equipment, all of them designed for military use. In the middle of the pavilion, on a massive, raised, rotating stage was an array of modules, all of which were designed to fit onto the same tracked mobility system. The modules were being rotated around, automatically being loaded and unloaded onto the mobile platform at the center of the stage. Nathan and Jessica both watched in fascination as the first module was lowered onto the tracked vehicle and, in seconds, was ready for action.
