Henry Gallant Saga 2: Lieutenant Henry Gallant (12 page)

“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 destroyer 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.

Wolfe let down the force field long enough for Gallant’s Hummingbird to rendezvous with the
Intrepid
in orbit over Elysium.

Previously when Gallant had attended Captain Dan Cooper in his cabin, it had been a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere with Cooper treating him more as a colleague than a subordinate. Things were different under Captain Anton Neumann.

Gallant stood frozen at attention as Neumann dressed him down.

“You’ve exceeded your authority and exposed me to grave consequence when we report to fleet headquarters on Earth.” Neumann’s venomous tone was unmistakable. “You’ve deliberately exposed me to a court martial inquiry. I see through you. This is payback. But you’re wrong if you think you’ll get away with it. I’ve documented my orders. You will make a detailed report admitting you made unsanctioned concessions, including recognizing the sovereignty of Elysium.”

Gallant exhaled, letting Neumann vent.

“Under what criteria do you think it’s reasonable to agree to transfer an arsenal of weaponry to an unstable character like Wolfe?” Neumann didn’t wait for a response. He said, “I am now not only vulnerable to Wolfe’s continuous demands but I could be cashiered if I perform as you’ve agreed.”

Surprised by the intensity of Neumann’s outburst, Gallant stared for a long second, and then he broke discipline and relaxed his posture without permission. He went so far as to sit down across from Neumann and look him directly in the eyes.

Neumann frowned—the tension was balanced on a razor’s edge.

Gallant said in a controlled, measured voice, “Wolfe has control of the planet’s force field. With one flip of the switch he can deprive us of access to resources and skilled mining manpower, not to mention forge and manufacturing facilities. Without Wolfe’s cooperation, there will be no returning to Earth—the
Intrepid
will never be FTL-worthy again.”

“What do you mean? You want us to meet these outrageous demands?”

“I don’t trust Wolfe. There’s no way the man I met designed and built a planetary force field. It is beyond the combined scientific capabilities of the entire United Planets.”

“Hmm. Yet, he expects us to deliver a Titan destroyer to him on a silver platter. That’s not going to happen,” said Neumann.

“Actually I think it might be possible to capture the destroyer, if we act quickly enough with our repairs.”

“Never mind. If Wolfe becomes a real problem, it would be easier to send an armed
Intrepid
force to take over his operation than to capture a destroyer.”

“Maybe, but, even so, my guess is he doesn’t expect us to completely fulfill our commitment,—he has another game he’s playing. I will explore and attempt to find the controls to his force field.”

“That must be the highest priority,” said Neumann.

Gallant spoke forcefully. “I propose we give Wolfe laser handguns and a few plasma rifles, as a show of good faith. We will demand he support us with men and equipment to begin mining operations immediately. As we progress, we can delay sending heavy weapons and nuclear reactor parts, saying they are under repair. Once we’ve completed substantial ship repairs and refueling, we will have more leverage, and we can get tougher in our negotiations with him. In addition we can insist he acquire a plebiscite for recognition of independence from the UP.”

“What good is a vote? Won’t he win?”

“I’m not so sure. There is an opposition group on the planet led by James and Alaina Hepburn. They may disrupt Wolfe’s plans. We can use them to our advantage.”

“All right. I’ll go along with your approach, but, rest assured, your responsibility in initially overstepping your authority will remain on the record.”

Gallant sat mute, but the tension dissipated. They changed topics to discuss the engineering and technical details of the mining operation to produce heavy metals, antimatter, and dark matter.

“What will it take to construct a heavy equipment forge and build an accelerator? Plus we’ll need a dark matter plasma containment-field bottle.”

As they were counting up everything they needed to manufacture, in the end, they added two more items—anti-ship missiles and a trailer they could hitch behind the Hummingbird using a tractor beam to transport men and equipment.

“We don’t have much heavy moving equipment on board, but the colonists have tractors, bulldozers, excavators, and heavy trucks along with drilling and blasting mining rigs. After all, they were asteroid miners to begin with. They have a number of excellent mining engineers to supplement our crew.”

“Will they work for us?” asked Neumann.

“Not for us,” said Gallant, “but perhaps with us.”

“Perhaps,” said Neumann, much calmer now. “There’s something else I need to discuss with you. We’ve monitored the Titan destroyer limping toward the outer planets. It’s traveling erratically at reduced speed while streaming gas and debris. Our readings show its power is fluctuating and my guess is its fusion drive is unstable. I’ll bet it explodes from internal damage before they can make effective repairs. Regardless, their course is toward one of the moons of the fifth planet, a gaseous giant.”

“It’s possible they have a small base there which will offer them relief and refit capabilities.”

“The drone we launched while we were entering this system has reported a space station on one of the moons of the fifth planet. It’s methane-based and has extensive facilities, probably enough to fix the destroyer. Given their current progress, they won’t be back here any time soon. Perhaps in four to six months. At that time we should have made all our repairs and refueled. We might even be heading back to Earth by then.”

“I’m not so sure about that,” said Gallant.

Gallant met with Chief Howard to talk about the engineering spaces and personnel. They discussed the process of repairs and their concern for the hull integrity of the
Intrepid
to withstand initiating a warp bubble.

“Chief can you update me on the engine room’s status?”
“Yes, sir. We’ve lost a third of our engineering personnel including several key men, Joe and Phil and Bill. Number one fusion reactor is totaled. A fire in the reactor compartment caused an explosion, damaging the hull from the engine room to the reactor compartment. It produced a dangerous radioactive gas leak requiring an internal patch on the engine room, but we couldn’t enter the reactor compartment until we isolated the reactor. We conducted an emergency reactor shutdown and sealed part of the hull breach externally. There’s nothing more we can do to recover it.”