The Governor smiled as he stood. "I have no doubt that you would, Mr. Beutcher. Now, if you don’t mind, I shall be returning to the station to pack my things."
The Governor gestured for his guards to lower their weapons as he turned to leave the room. I stood in stunned silence.
When the door to the stairwell closed behind the Governor, Garrett spoke. "That guy always seems to have an out. We should have taken him down the first time he was here."
I replied, "We weren’t prepared to do so."
I walked towards the door.
Garrett followed. "Where are you going?"
I began to walk down the stairs. "I’m going to his ship. I want to see that my children are well. Following this, I will have to open a comm to my wife to let her know the situation. She will offer advice."
Garrett reached for my shoulder. "Just don’t do anything before talking it out with me, OK?"
I nodded. "You have my word."
When we arrived at the Governor’s ship, he stood in the hatchway. "I will be back for my artifacts in a week, Mr. Beutcher."
I shook my head. "You leave my children, and I will give you the artifacts right here, right now."
The Governor sighed. "If I did that, I have no doubt that you would kill me before I made it back to the station. You probably have two dozen Talisan warships up there just waiting for me to leave. No, I think I shall hold on to these two until I have my other possessions moved. I will meet you back here one week from today. We can discuss terms for the swap at that time."
I stepped forward. "Just remember, Governor, if they are harmed, or even if they come back hungry, my life’s mission will be to end yours."
The Governor scowled. "One week, Mr. Beutcher. Take care of my things."
As the Governor turned away from the hatch, a curdling set of screams could be heard, followed by blaster fire and more screams. The Governor charged back into the doorway with a look of terror on his face before diving out onto the ground. A guard stood in the doorway behind him, face bloodied and breathing heavily. A metal rod then burst out of his rib cage as it was shoved through from behind. When the guard fell, a bloodied Grunta youth stood behind him.
I raced up the stairs, knelt, and pulled him into my arms. My daughter then joined us in a bloodied embrace.
I spoke. "What happened?"
My son Granda spoke. "They let down their weapons, and Shila pulled a chair from its mount and began to beat them. She warned them that they should let her go. She has a lot of Mom in her. Three of them were dead before the first shot was fired. I grabbed the bar, tearing it from the wall. She finished off the other two just before I drove the bar through his back."
I pulled my two children close and then looked back down upon a still-stunned Governor lying on the ground.
Garrett shook his head. "Looks like you just lost your bargaining power, Marcos. Two little Gruntas just took out six of your best men. I would say this day just got a lot worse for you."
I stepped down from the hatchway, clutching my left arm around the Governor’s neck and lifting him up into the air.
Garrett grabbed my arm. "Remember, we need him alive to disarm his thugs back on the station."
The Governor spoke with a crackly voice. "Yes, you need me alive. I will send them away if you promise not to kill me."
I looked up at my scowling children.
Shila snapped, "Pinch off his head!"
Granda stepped in. "No, save him for Mom! She would want to have the pleasure of ripping him apart!"
I thought for a moment before looking back at the Governor as he dangled at the end of my arm. "Let’s get on the comm and tell your men to leave."
The Governor sniveled. "And you won’t kill me?"
I sighed. "I promise. I won’t kill you."
Garrett furrowed his brow in confusion as I carried the Governor onto his ship. A comm channel was opened to his men on the station and the gunships that remained in orbit.
When the Governor's men had acknowledged, the Governor spoke. "We have had a change of plans. You are to clear your things out of the station. All of you, there will be no retributions against anyone who remains there. Take only what belongs to you. You can go your own way or meet me here at Effica. You have twelve hours to leave. And mind my words, do not harm anyone or anything or you will answer directly to me. It's time we moved our operations before the Talisans come."
A guard in one of the orbiting gunships spoke. "What of us? We can’t possibly make it back to the station in twelve hours. What do we do?"
The Governor closed the comm to the station and then replied, "You each now have equal shares in the gunships you are on; do what you will with them. As of this moment forward, I am no longer the Governor of SS241 and I will no longer be paying your salaries. I would advise that each of you go as far away from that station as possible. Our time on there is done."
The Governor looked down at the cockpit control panel of his ship. "Will you at least leave me with my ship?"
I replied, "We won’t be taking this ship with us."
I turned back toward the hatchway, still dragging the Governor by his neck. When I reached the hatch, I shoved him out onto the ground. The Feldon fighters had gathered behind Garrett.
Garrett spoke. "You're letting him go?"
I replied, "I promised him I wouldn’t kill him. As much as I want to, I will not break that promise."
Garrett looked down at the Governor as he massaged his neck. "I didn’t make that promise. I have no qualms about snuffing him out!"
The Governor put his hand up in defense. "I sent them away as you asked! I even added the Talisan threat to give them incentive to leave! Mr. Beutcher, you promised!"
I placed my hand on Garrett’s shoulder as I signaled to my children. "Shila, Granda, come with us."
Granda spoke as he moved our way. "You are letting him go? He attacked our family! He was going to kill us!"
I placed my hands behind each of their backs. "Just come with me. My reasons will become clear later. It would be best if we were not to savage an unarmed man whose current situation does not endanger us, no matter what it is that he has done. It’s not the Grunta way."
The Governor got to his knees and spoke. "You are the only honest person in this sector, Knog Beutcher!"
I stopped and turned. "I told you that I would not kill you, and I won’t. However, I don’t speak for the Feldons. I believe you have killed many of their people. They might have a different idea for your punishment. That is for them to decide."
As I turned and walked back toward the hotel with my children and Garrett, I could hear the Governor as he pleaded his case to the Feldons. Indeed, as Garrett had stated, it was not a good day for the former Governor of SS241.
As we stood in the hotel room, I grabbed a rag and began to wipe the guards’ blood off my children. Both were as excited to see their father as I was excited to see them. Garrett could not stop laughing at their short, stubby, wiggling tails.
Once Garrett had calmed, he checked the sensor readouts from the
Jess
. "The Governor’s friends have left orbit. By the time we get back to the station, it should be cleared out. What do we tell the Feldons out there now?"
I replied, "We tell them to head back to Telfor and await orders from Jallis and Layda. I was thinking of asking Jallis to take over as the temporary Governor of the Feldons while having Layda do the same on SS241. This will mean big changes for this sector. We will need to convene another meeting of all the colony Governors. I’m thinking we have Go run the sector policing with the Talisans until Layda can get the security force there up to snuff. We can set up elections for two years out."
Garrett nodded. "Sounds good. What about the Saltons? What if they try to get involved?"
I sighed. "If we can keep things quiet and pay the Saltons their tax, we might just be able to have a smooth transition to elected officials. If they see Omega as something of interest, they will appoint their own Governor. That deed would probably put us right back into the same corrupt situation we had before. The good thing for us is that other than offering advice, you and I should now be able to look for Joni Salton."
Garrett offered a pensive smile. "I just hope we haven’t waited too long. A lot can happen in a few months, as we have just seen."
I replied, "Let’s get back to the station. I want to contact my wife and get these kids on their way home through those portals."
The ride back to SS241 went quickly with my attentions diverted to my son and daughter. Granda had won his first helocycle race against his siblings, while Shila had taken on raising the galligs. Her first run to market had brought in over eight hundred credits to the family coffers. Both were doing well with their schooling.
We landed in Bay-7 and made our way up to the Governor’s office. The workers who remained were sitting at their stations without knowing what to do. A quick speech to the staff had each of them outlining exactly what their position was meant to do. I promised no immediate changes to personnel, which served to calm nerves. The staff was largely Feldon and was relieved when told that a Feldon would be taking over. Layda would have a difficult time staffing needed positions with citizens of the station after the Governor’s prior purge.
With the offices in order, we walked to the Governor’s treasure collection. It was far larger than I had guessed. It was decided that word would be sent out, sector-wide, that the treasure existed. Any persons claiming that it had been stolen from their persons would be asked to show overwhelming proof of ownership before it would be returned. Word was also spread that if any person was caught making a false claim, the prison sentence, and possible execution, would be swift and harsh. Any contraband that remained would be sold at auction, with the proceeds going into sector security expenses.
Several days later, I was sitting with Layda on her first day on the job. "Are you ready for this?"
Layda laughed. "How could anyone be ready for this? If I learned anything in those slave mines, it was that you take every day as it comes. I’ve managed to put together a team of people who were in government back on Krakus. They will be helping me to craft my policies. Go has a team of Talisans coming over to help us get organized. He says their government offices run smoothly, so he thought we could make use of the way they set things up. I have to tell you, it’s going to be strange having Talisans working for me."
I replied, "From what I hear, they will be a big help. One thing you shouldn’t have to worry about on this station, at least for a short while, is politicians butting their heads, trying to take advantage of the disorganization. We know who was on the Governor’s payroll, and from what I’ve seen, they are too worried about getting knifed in the back to be getting involved in politics. I think if you can maintain a tight reporting regimen throughout your staff, you will find it’s easier to put out fires when they flare up. Treat your people with respect, and they will mostly respect you back."
Layda raised an eyebrow. "Mostly?"
I offered a pursed smile. "There will always be some who are difficult. You will just have to learn to deal with them."
Layda tilted her head. "How is it you know so much about government?"
I replied, "I spent my whole career observing the bureaucracy of the security service. The managers who served the longest and had the most respect of their staffs were the ones that respected their personnel, even with the many flaws that you find in people. A good manager will figure out how to work with or work around those flaws."
Layda grimaced as she looked down at the big desk in front of her. "Am I even ready for this? I worked in a clothing store on Gamminus before I was abducted. Add a few months in a slave mine to that, and you have a very thin resume."
I stood and walked around behind the desk, placing my hand on her shoulder and gently squeezing. "You will do fine. You are of good character and intelligence. Lean on your advisers for anything you don’t understand."
Granda and Shila came running into the office. "The comm to home is open!"
I lifted my arm and popped up the holo-display. "Hello, Getta. Before you speak, I have good news. Granda and Shila are here with me, and they are safe."
I panned the camera until the two children came into view.
Getta spoke. "And what of the abductors?"
I replied, "He and his men have been dealt with. And you would be proud of Shila and Granda; they were the ones that freed themselves."
Granda spoke. "Shila took out five of them! I took out one!"
Getta smiled. "I am just glad the two of you are safe. When will you be coming home?"
Shila replied, "We are scheduled to make the portal jumps tomorrow! We will have an escort with us, a Human named Go."
I turned the camera back on myself. "You should be proud. They handled themselves well. It will be an experience that they can carry with themselves throughout their lives."
Getta sighed. "You know it is our cultural norm to not talk about or praise violence. It will only make others seek us out."
I nodded. "I will reinforce that notion with the two of them. I was only stating that for you."
Our conversation continued for another fifteen minutes. When the comm ended, I had a less-than-thrilled look on my face.
Layda spoke. "That didn’t sound like it went too well. Why was she upset?"
I replied, "As a culture, we do not want to be seen as violent people or as warriors. We may be capable, but we do not want others to think it. We prefer to appear docile. If word gets out that you are strong, inevitably someone will come looking for a fight, or come looking for you to fight for them. We desire neither. Our way is to live in peace."
Layda replied, "I thought the Grunta were one of the original species that fought in the great War of Wars? Rumor is that your women are fierce warriors."
I nodded. "That is a rumor we have been trying to quell for centuries. When word gets out that a Grunta has been in a fight, everyone wants to know what happened."
Layda laughed. "It seems to me that fighting is all you have done since you were sent here. I would think that showing of strength to be a positive."
I replied, "It has its drawbacks as well."
The following day I said goodbye to Granda and Shila as Go led them through a portal. I had a twinge of apprehension and sadness as they vanished from my sight. It was not often that I was able to see my family members in person; a small part of me wanted to thank the now-deceased Governor.
With the governance of SS241 coming together, I traveled with Garrett to the shipyards on Dallex. A small freighter, able to be swept through the portal system, would be updated to provide the securities and defense we would want while traveling through the Alpha sector. The freighter would be loaded with ore samples and used as a cover for Garrett’s travels.
The engines of the freighter were modified to give her the highest possible speed, her computers were upgraded to the latest available models, and her cockpit and vital systems were surrounded by heavy plating. Should the freighter take fire from another ship, Garrett would stand a modest chance of escaping unharmed.
With the freighter updates moving along, I made a trip out to Telfor. Jallis was busy coordinating the moves of his people to the Feldon home world of Krakus, and to the planet of Effica. The Talisans were providing adequate food and care during the transitions. The mines of Telfor would be silent until the proper mining machinery could be developed, brought in, and set up. Raw unskilled labor was no longer available.
I remained under exile from the rest of the New Alliance. With so many changes under way in Omega, I had the desire to go back to do that which was familiar. As I walked into Bay-68, Malcom was sitting in a chair. Gerald held his familiar position, asleep in the chair just outside of his ship as well. Captain Rexigal Hallif came through the bay doors.
Malcom looked up. "This isn’t going to be good. Gerald, hey! Wake up!"
Gerald lifted the lid on his hat and peered at the approaching Captain.
The Captain stood in front of me. "Gentlemen, and I use that term loosely, get your asses out of those chairs and get over here. We have a lot to discuss about the changes that are taking place. For the next week, you will be taking your ships to Dallex for retrofit. They will be getting beefed-up armor and new systems, and I know I will probably regret this, but you will get a blaster cannon.
"The shipping lanes have had pirate problems for years. Our initial focus will be to clean up those lanes so that shipping in this sector can move about in a safe and secure manner. Once that happens, we can return to a regular inspection schedule. Things are changing, and we are going to be agents for that change. Tell me your concerns."
The Captain pulled a short stogie from his pocket and jammed it in his mouth.
Malcom spoke first. "We don’t have any training in dealing with pirates. What kind of armor upgrades are we getting? I don’t want to be fighting those people!"
The Captain raised his upper right hand as his upper left took hold of the stogie. "We have to shut down the pirate activity out here, or they will become more and more powerful. At the moment, the best we can do is to give you ships that can handle an encounter with them. I understand that we aren’t warriors and we aren’t trained in combat, but neither are they. If you come across a situation that is more than one on one, you will have the option of calling for backup or leaving."
Gerald spoke. "And what are we supposed to do with these pirates when we come in contact with them?"
The Captain smiled. "Well, Gerald, I expect that you will either arrest them or kick their ass. Look, we aren’t out to get ourselves killed at this, but the piracy has to stop. Clear shipping lanes will benefit us all."
I replied, "I have some combat training and would be glad to share what I know. Also, Captain, you said ‘get ourselves killed.’ That sounds like you will be joining us."
The Captain grinned. "That’s right! I’m retiring the desk for at least six months. You clowns think you get to have all the fun?"
Malcom shook his head. "This doesn’t sound like fun to me."
The Captain changed hands with his stogie and pointed. "Don’t be a wuss, Barber! We work for the security forces of the New Alliance. It’s time we started pulling our weight. We don’t have to worry about Talisans anymore, so let’s get out there and kick some pirate ass!"
Carter and Boglio arrived before the Captain had finished telling us our new tasks. The Human and Magonia were quickly filled in on what they had missed. Neither had any qualms about tackling the pirate issue. Both seemed eager to get under way.
Go had long since returned from delivering my son and daughter to their home. He would be running the ship modifications at the Dallex yards with the assistance of Garrett. I took the time to put together a training program for combat flying. When the upgrades had been completed, I took the team out for practice.
I spoke over the comm. "Remember, your heaviest armor is straight forward or straight back. Hits from the sides, top, or bottom are more likely to penetrate the hull. If you are going into action, make sure you have on your helmet and that you are buckled in. You don’t know when you might have a hull breach or a lucky shot that partially disables your inertial dampeners. Always try to be flying directly toward your target, or directly away.
"Now for the ion cannons. A good pilot will properly judge the direction and speed of his opponent. You can get a solid hit with an aim that is out in front of your opponent if they are moving. That will be how most of your manual shots, if needed, will be taken. You will have a superior weapon. Learn to use it. Most of the time your targeting will be on automatic, but you need to be prepared.
"Next, I will mention strategy and tactics. Our mission is to end piracy, not to kill all pirates. If you come upon suspected pirates, first attempt a dialogue with them. If they don’t respond, fire a warning shot. If they still refuse, try to target their engines, disable their ship. We want these people to cease what they are doing. If we can do that without having to kill them, all the better. Dead pirates tend to have angry relatives.
"Do not, however, put your life needlessly in danger. They are undertaking criminal activities; they are the ones who are placing themselves at risk. And as the Captain had previously mentioned, before finding yourself in deep trouble, call for backup. There are only five of us, six if we count the Captain, so first and foremost, keep yourselves alive."
Two days were spent targeting asteroids. Go was able to get the Talisan engineer to design a gun turret for above and one for below that offered full coverage against any attackers. With the addition of Garrett’s targeting algorithms, the cannons provided a decent offensive capability to a ship that previously had none. With the practice soon out of the way, we paired up and headed towards the shipping lanes that we knew to be frequented by pirates. I teamed up with Malcom Barber. None of the others would have him.