Outriders Read online

  Approaching him was a middle-aged woman with impeccable taste, one who was capable of beginning or ending entire trends in the fashion industry by virtue of what she consented to wear. Companies and designers were known to petition her for months in an effort to see Adeleh dressed in their outfits, which was likely to cause a sharp increase in revenue.

  “Hello, Ms. Farahani.”

  “Good evening, Mr. Vanderlin,” Adeleh said. “Would you mind answering a few questions for our viewers?”

  “I’d be happy to. Triaxus always has time for the media.”

  “Wonderful.”

  Adeleh turned to her accompanying camera operators and motioned to take positions. Winston tolerated sound and lighting technicians while they distorted and manipulated the truth, changing his appearance to fit media and public perceptions. Naturally the entire encounter was staged, so perhaps eliminating shadows and enhancing his voice were par for the course.

  A small light glowed on one hovering camera when the recording commenced, and Winston engaged in brief, trivial introductions with Adeleh. He endured this phase of the conversation with all the phony grace and courtesy he could muster until the questions turned relevant.

  “Mr. Vanderlin, what was your reaction to the recent vote in Parliament regarding the situation in Tuatha?”

  “I’m pleased Members of Parliament had the wherewithal to pass this motion. The Confederacy should be doing all we can to end hostilities, no matter their location.”

  “Not all share your view,” Adeleh noted. “The Honorable Mr. Balotti was quoted as saying this is a reckless adventure more likely to provoke further aggression than reduce it. How would you respond to his comments?”

  “I respect Mr. Balotti’s stance, along with his conviction that the Confederacy should not intervene in the affairs of independent planets. Unfortunately this perception is outdated and in serious need of change. The Authority of Confederate Systems was founded on the principle that everyone is deserving of equality and compassion. Some worlds have chosen to remain independent and not embrace our union, but the Confederacy’s governing values shouldn’t discriminate. Turning our back on Elatha and Delbaeth is tantamount to shredding our founding charter.”

  “Yet many would say Parliament is under no obligation to help an independent system that willingly chose not to join the Confederacy.”

  “A traveler is under no obligation to help someone injured on the side of a road. A person is under no obligation to donate their earnings to charity, or give money to a friend or neighbor unable to pay for rent. Yet these acts of benevolence happen all the time, because people are inherently kind-hearted. A government should be no different. Centuries ago the nations of Earth didn’t only concern themselves with their own citizens. The wealthiest nations assisted poorer ones in their time of need, even those who chose not to join economic pacts or military alliances. We have fallen far indeed if our society today is unwilling to follow their honorable legacy.”

  “What if the governments of Elatha and Delbaeth refuse our help?” Adeleh questioned.

  “All we can do is offer, though I’m hopeful they’ll accept.”

  “Parliament has vowed to provide mediators in an attempt to resolve the conflict peacefully. What role if any would Triaxus Corporation play in the proceedings?”

  “Are you familiar with my own origins, Ms. Farahani?”

  “I’m sorry, but I don’t believe I am.”

  “I was born in the Silla system on Amarok, a planet with scarcely enough citizens to fill a typical city on most Confederacy worlds. We have no skyscrapers or admired products and companies. Silla is located at the end of a meandering faster-than-light spacelane called the Uisneach Spine, and the only way to access this route is through the Tuireann system, which is itself rarely frequented and crosses no vital trade networks. For this reason, Silla is an almost forgotten system, with minimal traffic. I’ve encountered a number of people in my lifetime who weren’t even aware of its location, never mind its culture and contributions to our galactic community.

  “Yet this obscurity and disregard produced one benefit. Amarok’s inhabitants are resourceful, determined and hard-working. These traits are a necessity to survive, since we receive little if any assistance from beyond our borders. This is likewise the explanation for how I ascended the ranks through Triaxus to eventually lead the corporation. My suitability for leadership was challenged more than once by people born on more respected worlds, who viewed me as an illiterate farmer desperately climbing above my station. Consequently, as a young man I wanted nothing more than to escape my worthless system and its reputation, where industrious people were ignored and slandered by the outside galaxy.”

  Winston touched a finger to his jaw and adopted an expression befitting someone sharing an emotional moment. “My regrettable perception has changed in the long years since. The people of Silla are deserving of respect. My diligent approach to business comes from a childhood spent on lonely, maligned Amarok. More than any training seminar or academic institute, Amarok prepared me for Triaxus. I owe my homeworld and have done much to improve its condition during the intervening years. I’ve donated funds and given supply contracts to local companies struggling to compete against interstellar conglomerates. I’ve brought thousands of jobs by opening mines and constructing factories, and even discouraged other corporations from importing cheap goods to undercut those manufactured locally.”

  “How charitable of you, Mr. Vanderlin,” Adeleh remarked, as if on cue.

  “Life on Amarok today is more hopeful than it was a century ago when I was growing up. Wealth, employment rates and the standard of living have all risen dramatically, even if the disdain Amarok is held in by outsiders hasn’t changed. My purpose in telling this story is to show what can happen when the forgotten and neglected experience sympathy. When people are given the chance to succeed. The same can be true in the Tuatha system. Elatha and Delbaeth have declared war on each other, and millions will suffer as a result. This doesn’t need to happen.

  “Our Parliament has affirmed a commitment to offer assistance, and Triaxus will follow suit. I implore the governments in Tuatha to accept mediation from the Confederacy in the spirit of cooperation and solidarity. I promise Triaxus will also do all we can during reconstruction efforts. We can create jobs and help rebuild cities and infrastructure. We can revitalize manufacturing industries and develop facilities in nearby systems for excavating natural resources. Together we can create a more prosperous era of collaboration between the Confederacy and our independent neighbors. As the esteemed Minister for Trade and Development affirmed, if a world needs help, it’s our responsibility to step in and do what we can. Triaxus stands with Parliament.”

  “A bold promise. Only time will tell if you’re given the opportunity to make good on it. For Prudentia Media Group, I’m Adeleh Farahani.” She signaled to her crew and the recording ceased. “Thank you for your time, Mr. Vanderlin.”

  “My pleasure, Ms. Farahani. Have a pleasant day.”

  Winston smiled and turned away, joining Alessandro outside a waiting luxury airspeeder. Both climbed into the backseat while Margaery brought the vehicle online.

  “A good interview, I think,” Winston said. “What was the official reason for Adeleh Farahani to be here?”

  “Covering a story regarding the rumors of this hotel being sold.”

  “Hardly newsworthy.”

  “It was never meant to be broadcast, so its relevance seems immaterial.” Alessandro retrieved his UpLink from a pocket and flipped through his communications. “We’ve received a message from Ms. Sima. The token Confederacy naval task force has entered the Tuatha system.”

  “Have they encountered difficulties thus far?”

  “No. The warring independent worlds are either unaware of their arrival or determined to ignore them.”

  “Both scenarios remain consistent with our desired operation.” Winston watched airspeeder traffic through one tinted windo
w, his eyes momentarily drawn to a cargo truck bearing the insignia of a rival corporation. “Has the commanding officer sent an offer for peace negotiations?”

  “The message will be transmitted within the next day, once the task force feels secure in its present location. They’re conducting standard reconnaissance patrols and surveying their environment for now.”

  “Excellent. I trust Jiaying will keep us apprised of the situation as it develops. Still, I haven’t reached this point by waiting for others to fulfill their obligations. Activate our asset in the Parliament Spire. I want to receive regular reports from him to ensure Jiaying is as forthcoming with us as she promises.”

  “At once, sir.”

  “Is Echo Flotilla ready to commence Operation Shadow Scythe?”

  “Their final status update was forwarded to us earlier this morning,” Alessandro answered. “All starships and crews have mobilized for departure and await your word to begin.”

  “Tell them to do so. I want their flotilla in position at the earliest opportunity. We don’t know how soon they’ll need to conduct Shadow Scythe.”

  “They’ll be on station in five days and able to launch reconnaissance sorties by the sixth.”

  “Ensure they adhere to the parameters I’ve set. I won’t allow someone’s overambitious and unwanted initiative to sabotage my plans.”

  “The officers know their place, sir.”

  Winston reclined in the cushioned seat and crossed his legs, reaching for a beverage from the small refrigeration unit. “Then we have nothing more to achieve today. Once you’ve communicated with the flotilla, take the remainder of this evening off. I believe I’ll attend the theater. We mustn’t lose ourselves entirely in business matters.”

  Chapter 13

  “No need for a repair station, because there won’t be any skirmishes where we’re headed.”

  Harun tilted his head to one side and lifted an eyebrow at Taylor. “Excuse me?”

  After four precautionary faster-than-light jumps to elude Confederacy pursuit, the Solar Flare finally floated in a quiet, uninhabited system, a trend that was fast becoming an annoyance. Safe for the moment in their forgotten slice of territory, all crewmembers and Elathan nationals gathered in the freighter’s lounge to discuss their next move. Or, given the rage Taylor felt brimming inside himself, to shout and hurl abuses at one another.

  Taylor thrust a forefinger at Harun, wishing it was a dagger. “That’s what you promised me, you shifty, manipulative, half-cocked, shitty excuse for a spy. So much for all that intelligence you’re supposed to possess. Turns out you can’t even predict handling classified documents in Balor was liable to almost get us killed.”

  “We never could’ve foreseen—”

  “You forced us to travel to a Confederacy military-controlled system to meet with a damned Confederacy traitor. Even a child could’ve predicted there was a chance for trouble.”

  “As I told you before, we didn’t know our contact’s identity. I certainly didn’t realize we were meeting with a DEC employee.”

  “This might have escaped your knowledge,” Taylor hissed, “but you’re a fucking spy. With an entire world’s intelligence network at your scheming little fingertips. You should’ve done your homework and investigated the dipshit you were so eager to befriend before tossing us into danger. But we’re all just disposable assets to you, aren’t we? Simple-minded freighters who aren’t important enough to warrant care. If shit goes sideways, there’s always another starship you can commandeer or dupe into serving you.”

  “We understood the dangers inherent in this mission, but we never meant to deliberately place your lives in jeopardy, and had we known—”

  “You know the funny thing about intent? It doesn’t count for anything. I don’t care what you planned to do, because the fact is you put all our lives at stake for your crusade. And don’t try to appease me with pathetic claims that the choices were worthwhile since we survived.”

  “I believe I will nonetheless. Everyone is alive and relatively unscathed, your freighter remains serviceable, and we even discovered a clever trick the Authority navy is using these days. A satisfactory mission, truth be told.”

  “Tell me, Major,” Taylor growled. “What would you call the outcome if one of my people was killed in your service? An acceptable loss? Lives might be cheap in your profession, but not in mine.”

  Tessa grumbled and hefted her boots onto one table before reclining in a chair with both hands entwined behind her head. “Are you quite finished bellyaching, MacDowell? Or should I zone out while you grouse a little longer? This incessant whining disturbs my sense of calm.”

  “My sincerest apologies. I didn’t mean to bother your sensibilities with wasted concern for the welfare of others. How thoughtless of me.”

  “Apology accepted,” she mocked.

  Taylor cast a dismissive, condescending glare in her direction. “Is there even a single person on any world who voluntarily spends time in your company without being ordered to?”

  “Now you’re resorting to personal attacks, and you call me the inconsiderate one. To answer your question, I don’t care. I have no need to be liked to accomplish my assignments. Though I take issue with those who impede me at every turn.”

  Harun exhaled a frustrated breath, one he had likely held in since leaving Elatha. “None of this bickering is helping, and serves only to waste valuable time.” He directed his attention toward Alexis. “Lawrence, while we were on Milesian Station Kaneshiro mentioned you might have an idea where to find a machine capable of translating this type of disc.”

  “Because you’re a weirdo who thinks retro tech is charming,” Rinko added.

  “A TL-wide?” asked Alexis. “Sure. I can name plenty of places that might have an ArcaVox in their facility. But there’s only one location I know of that definitely has what we need, and happens to keep theirs functioning and accessible.”

  “Sounds promising,” Harun asserted. “Where is it?”

  Alexis retrieved the disc off a table and turned it over in her fingertips, casting a guilty frown at Taylor. “You aren’t going to like this. The Alyssa Carson Memorial Library. At the University of Karnak.”

  “On Thoth?” Taylor demanded. He turned to Harun with fire in his eyes. “Absolutely not. Balor was one thing, but you aren’t taking my ship to Thoth.”

  Harun proved regrettably immune to Taylor’s ire. “We have little choice, I’m afraid. Unless you can conjure the antique computer we need.”

  “You want us to travel to the Heliades? The central Confederacy system? Let me see if I comprehend this jaunt you’re keen on making. You want us to fly within range of the Authority navy and Parliament while lugging around data implicating their leaders in instigating a war? Most lawmakers and security folks would consider what we have as treason. Hailing from a quaint independent world, you and Ms. Chuckles over there might not be familiar with the punishment for committing treason in Authority space. I am, and want nothing to do with it. Sedition isn’t settled in a public court, with the media and lawyers watching to make sure the whole affair follows the law. This crime is dealt with in a military tribunal without juries, where the defense lawyers are just for show and are on government payrolls. Where prosecutors and judges aren’t held accountable and can do whatever the hell they please. That’s the future awaiting us.”

  “Come now. You act as though the entire population of the military and Parliament are privy to what’s happening in Tuatha. Certain elected officials might be interested in learning about the crimes their colleagues have committed, since only a small number of conspirators could be complicit in order to maintain secrecy.”

  “Naturally. But do you know which ones would pat us on the back and which would fling a noose around our necks? Of course you don’t.” Taylor shook his head toward Alexis and the disc she held. “The only list that might conceivably exist is on that unreadable device, and we have no way to access the information without traveling t
o the Heliades first. Far as I’m concerned, every Member of Parliament is guilty until I read otherwise. I’m not trusting a single one.”

  Alexis cleared her throat and found every gaze in the lounge drawn to her. “What if I can find you an MP who’s clean?”

  “What do you mean?” questioned Evan.

  “I know a parliamentarian, and I can vouch for him.”

  “You can’t guarantee anyone’s loyalty,” argued Tessa.

  “This one I can. You’ll need to trust me.”

  “I don’t need to do anything of the sort. Who is this MP? How do you know him?”

  “I can’t say,” replied Alexis. “I knew him when I was younger. If there’s anyone in Parliament who wouldn’t be involved in orchestrating a war, he’s the person. That’ll have to be enough.”

  “Your assurances aren’t enough,” Harun said. “I need more than intuition.”

  “You expect us to trust your instincts and decisions. High time you did the same.”

  Reyes smeared butter on a baguette he ripped in two. “What city, moon or whatever does he represent in Parliament?”

  “That’s what makes this perfect.” Alexis brightened and wore an expression that might be considered smug. “He’s the member for the governorate of Thebaid on Thoth, based in the capital city Hermopolis. And I think he can help get us planetside.”