The Star Cross: The Dark Invaders (7 page)

“You are the
Humans from Newton?” asked the Controller as he called up information on his
computer.

“Yes,” Kurt
replied. “We’ve come to Kubitz to conduct some business.”

The Controller
nodded as he continued to access his data screen. Then he stopped and seemed to
be examining something. “A fine has been levied against your planet.”

“A fine?” said
Kurt, growing suspicious. “For what?”

“The planet
Julbian has been claimed by High Profiteer Creed and his clan. Contracts have
been filed and fees paid, giving High Profiteer Creed full control of any
wealth he finds in that system. From this report, your people have interfered
and not allowed Creed to fulfill his contract.”

Kurt took a
deep breath. He almost wished he had Grantz here to guide him through this. “My
planet doesn’t recognize High Profiteer Creed’s right to exploit the Julbian
System. My people are in the process of signing an agreement with the leaders
of the system where they will fall under our protection. We will also be doing
considerable trading with them.”

The Controller
seemed taken aback by this statement. He studied more data on his screen. “Your
planet is not part of the Gothan Empire and not subject to our laws. However,
in order to do trade here, you are expected to recognize the validity of any
contracts on file and which have been approved by a Controller. It’s stated
very clearly here in Section 212, Paragraph 47, of the Contract Laws.”

“Julbian is in
an area of space claimed by my people,” Kurt responded.

“Has there
been a contract filed here on Kubitz specifying that?” asked the Controller.

“No,”
confessed Kurt, wondering how big the fine would be.

The Controller
studied more information on his screen before turning back toward Kurt. “Under Section
642, Paragraphs 7–18, any race not associated with the Gothan Empire may claim
specific regions of space where their interests lie. While this does not
prevent Profiteer clans from conducting business in those regions, it does
prevent heavy fines being levied against the aggrieved race if they resist
Profiteer raids. Do you wish to file a contract listing the area of space your
world claims an interest in? If you do so, I can lower the current fine
considerably. It will also prevent this from occurring in the future.”

Kurt thought
furiously for several long moments on a response. “What is the current fine,
and how much will it be reduced?”

“The current
fine is one hundred million credits, and, by filing a contract claiming
interests in the Julbian region of space, I can reduce it to a mere two
million. One other thing you must understand. Even though you file this
contract, Profiteer Creed still has the rights to conduct business on Julbian
as he sees fit. His contract predates anything you may file.”

“How much will
it cost to file this contract?”

“That depends
on the size of the region of space you claim an interest in. You have until
your ships leave Kubitz to file the contract. Failure to do so will result in a
debit to your account of the one hundred million credits. I would also
recommend that, if you have interests in other regions near your world, you
include them in the contract to prevent future misunderstandings.”

Kurt let out a
deep sigh. “I’ll have our people begin working on the contract.”

The Controller
pressed an icon on his screen, and a small computer disk popped out which he
handed to Kurt. “This disk contains the pertinent information on laying claim
to a region of space. The two-million-credit fine will be due upon filing your
contract as well as whatever the contract fee may be. You may now leave to
conduct whatever business you have on Kubitz. If you have gold or other
precious metals you wish to convert to credits, it needs to be done here at the
exchange.”

-

A few minutes later
they were back outside the Controller exchange where their Marine guards waited.

“I hate this
place,” muttered Sergeant Jones, who was in charge of the Marine security
detail. “Everything looks so damn gloomy!”

He shifted his
heavy assault rifle to his other arm. To allow the Marines to carry such
weapons, former Lieutenant Tenner had to pay a hefty fee. Only security people
involved with an embassy or trading compound were allowed to carry similar weapons.
For the duration of Kurt’s mission, Sergeant Jones and his squad had been
transferred to the embassy security detail.

-

Kurt looked up
and he could barely see the sun. Kubitz was the fourth planet out from its
primary, and he was amazed at how much of the sunlight was blotted out by the
pollution in the air. Grantz had blamed the factories, operating for decades
without any regard to the contaminants being released into the atmosphere. It
was one of the reasons most cities had large domes over their more affluent
sections. The planet also had a serious weather problem with acid rain. At
times it was so acidic it could seriously burn a person. People had died when
caught out in the open, away from protection, during an acid rainstorm.

Glancing at
the spaceport, Kurt saw dozens of small cargo ships and shuttles parked on the
landing pads. Vehicles flew by, and numerous work robots scurried back and
forth, unloading and delivering crates to various ships.

“Let’s get to
the compound,” said Keera impatiently, looking up at the hazy sky. “I hate
being out in the open on Kubitz. Even here at the spaceport, the air smells of
ozone and other contaminates.”

Kurt knew this
was one of the reasons she disliked Kubitz. While the more affluent citizens
could afford to live under the protective domes, the average Kubitz citizen
lived in slum neighborhoods with very high crime rates as well as sickness. The
air was unsafe to breathe over a long period, and she had told Kurt stories
about all the children she had treated at the medical facility with respiratory
problems. Some had even died.

“Yeah, I’m
sure Grantz is waiting for us,” added Andrew. “I see our rides are here.”

Kurt smiled,
seeing two old-style Humvees pull up. Each Humvee was capable of holding six passengers
in its heavily armored body. A small turret on top held a rapid-fire M240K
machine gun, which fired 7.62 mm rounds at a top rate of eight hundred per
minute.

The old-style Humvees
had been brought from Earth as transports for the embassy compound. Since energy
weapons were not allowed on Kubitz unless used by an Enforcer, the old-style
M240K machine gun was well qualified to keep any criminal elements from attacking
embassy staff. It was also about the heaviest weapon the Kubitz government
would grant an embassy or trading compound to possess. Six Humvees were at the
compound, and, as with the assault rifles, a heavy fee had been paid to allow
them to be armed with the machine guns.

The passenger
door on the nearest Humvee swung open, and a Profiteer stepped out.

Andrew groaned,
recognizing who it was.

“Fleet Admiral
Vickers,” bellowed Grantz, rushing forward, grabbing Kurt by the hand, and
shaking it vigorously. “It’s about time you returned to Kubitz. We have much to
discuss.”

“Yeah, right,”
said Andrew with a frown. “What schemes have you come up with now to get more
gold?”

“Gold!” cried
Grantz in mock consternation. “What makes you think that?” Reaching out, he put
his arm around Andrew and grinned. “This time you must accompany me to one of
the pleasure houses. If you can’t find a woman there to satisfy you, I can guarantee
the food, drink, and entertainment are well worth it.”

“Captain
Randson is married and has a daughter,” interjected Keera, looking
disapprovingly at Grantz. “You also shouldn’t be spending so much of your time
in the entertainment area. A lot of people have gone missing visiting those pleasure
houses.”

Kurt and Keera
were well aware that much of the black market activity occurred at those
establishments.

“Ah, I’m
always armed,” said Grantz with a hefty laugh, patting the large handgun
strapped to his waist. “Besides, I know my way around the pleasure houses, and
I have a reputation to uphold.”

“I’m sure you
do,” said Keera, shaking her head in disgust.

“Let’s load
up,” Kurt ordered. “Grantz, I want you in the Humvee with me. We ran into a
situation with a Controller here at the Controller exchange which I need to
speak to you about.”

“About your
run-in with High Profiteer Creed in the Julbian System.”

Kurt frowned,
wondering how Grantz had heard of that. Knowing Grantz and who he associated
himself with, it was probably Dolman.

Kurt reached
into his pocket, taking out a gold coin. He flipped it into the air and
casually caught it in his right hand. He noticed Grantz’s gaze never left the
coin, his eyes gleaming with greed. “Yes, let’s see if you can help us out of a
minor situation we find ourselves in.”

Grantz’s face
took on a serious look as he watched the gleaming gold coin. “A one-hundred-million-credit
fine isn’t minor.”

“Perhaps not,”
Kurt said, handing Grantz the coin. Kurt had an entire pocketful and more back
on the
Star Cross
. With the current exchange rate, each one-ounce coin
was worth about 1,200 credits. That was something else he had learned about
doing business on Kubitz. Bribes were expected, and the gold coins would work
very well to grease a few hands. “Let’s see what we can come up with to get
that fine reduced.”

Kurt really
wanted to hear what the Profiteer knew about setting up the contract for the
area of space Newton had a vested interest in. Most likely he would have to
speak with Avery Dolman and pay a hefty number of credits to have a contract
drawn up that would cover Newton’s needs. Dolman would know the necessary
experts to ensure the contract was foolproof.

Everyone
loaded up into the Humvees with both Andrew and Keera getting in with Kurt and
Grantz. The Marine escort divided themselves up among the two transports, and
they were soon ready to depart. The Humvees were soon rolling down the busy street,
which led from the spaceport to the city proper.

“How come
you’re still alive?” Andrew asked Grantz evenly. “I would have thought, by now,
someone would have shot you for your conniving ways.”

“This is
Kubitz,” Grantz said dismissively with a huge grin. “Everyone is constantly
scheming to improve their station in life. Besides, I have the right
connections and know who to speak to.”

“We may need
those connections,” Kurt said as he recalled what Governor Spalding wanted him
to find out. “Once we get to the compound, there’s another matter I wish to
speak of.”

Grantz
grinned. “Whatever you want, I’ll find it.” Glancing at the gold coin, he
placed it in a secure pocket.

Kurt nodded,
knowing Grantz was serious. While Kurt might disagree with the Profiteer’s
methods, Grantz did produce results.

The trip to
the embassy compound took nearly forty minutes. The two Humvees drove slowly through
the outlying neighborhoods, which were not under the protective environmental
dome. Looking out the thick protective windows, Kurt felt the misery of the people
living in some of these areas. Along the streets, brilliant signs advertised various
services. Small shops lined the streets, selling everything one could imagine. Food,
clothing, household items, and even weapons. The other striking thing was the
number of people with handguns holstered to their hips. Even a number of the
women were armed. A stark reminder of just how dangerous the streets of the
cities on Kubitz were to travel.

“I had
forgotten how colorful the people on Kubitz dress,” commented Keera, gazing at
the people. The sidewalks were crowded at this time of day with the streets
full of vehicles.

Kurt nodded.
He could see both men and women dressed up in very colorful clothing. While the
people might not have much, they certainly enjoyed wearing bright colors. His gaze
wandered to the vehicles traveling the crowded streets. There was every type of
vehicle one could imagine. Cars and trucks powered by old-time combustion
engines, electric vehicles, and even solar. The Humvees used advanced hydrogen
fuel cells to power the heavy armored vehicles. They were also air-conditioned,
and the air went through filters to take out any contaminants. The filters were
even capable of preventing poison gas from coming inside. A gas attack had
resulted in the abduction of Private Dulcet.

“You wish to
claim the territory around the Julbian System as containing interests your
government wants to control,” muttered Grantz, shaking his head. He was using a
miniature handheld reader to scan the small disk the Controller had given Kurt.
“If I read this correctly, to lay claim to an area as large as this may be much
more expensive than paying the one-hundred-million-credit fine.”

“That’s a lot
of gold we’ll give up,” said Andrew meaningfully, staring at Grantz. “It might
mean we won’t have enough to toss around like we have been. I would hate to see
you have to curtail your visits to the pleasure houses.”

Grantz’s eyes
narrowed appreciably at hearing those words. He reached in his pocket to touch
the gold coin there. “I will speak to Avery Dolman. We may need to enlist the
aid of a Controller he knows. Perhaps we can find a way around this.”

It didn’t
surprise Kurt to hear Dolman had a Controller sympathetic to his organization.
He would almost have to in order to conduct all the business he did, much of it
illegal. Even on Kubitz some things were frowned upon. That was where all the
bribes came in. Some illegal transactions could be tolerated if enough credits
changed hands.

“It will be
complicated since a contract has already been filed by High Profiteer Creed to
remove the wealth from this system,” continued Grantz, gazing at the small
screen. “I will act as the go-between and see what can be done.”

“And how much will
that cost?” asked Andrew, gazing sharply at the Profiteer. “I doubt if you’re
doing this for free.”

“It’s negotiable,”
replied Grantz, smiling. “Let’s see how many credits I can save you first, and
then we’ll discuss my fee.”

“Just get it
done,” responded Kurt, trying not to roll his eyes. “But keep me informed of your
progress. I don’t want this to get out of hand.” Grantz’s desire for gold
sometimes made him take risks and be a little careless. However, he had managed
the rescue of Private Lucy Dulcet with Dolman’s assistance, which Kurt would
always be grateful for. Therefore, he was willing to give the Profiteer some
latitude in his actions.

“Nearing the
dome,” the Marine driver commented as he slowed down and presented an entry
pass to the Enforcers guarding the entrance. The numerous entrances to the
environmental protection dome were all guarded to keep discontents out.

A soon as they
drove in, it was like entering a different world. Tall buildings were everywhere
and even a few green park areas. Most of the diplomatic compounds resided inside
the dome as well as the Kubitz government offices and it was also home to the
more affluent people. However, even here in the dome there were dangerous areas
such as the ones that held the pleasure houses that Grantz was so infatuated
with. Also located here were the massive slave markets.

It didn’t take
long to reach the Newton embassy compound as the traffic was lighter. Vehicles
with polluting engines were still allowed, but the owners had to pay a
substantial fine to operate them. Kurt knew the Kubitz government was
encouraging the changeover to hydrogen-powered vehicles across the planet to
help curb the atmospheric pollution. More of those vehicle types were evident
since they’d entered the dome.

Rolling up to
the compound, the two Humvees were stopped by a pair of Marines armed with
intimidating-looking assault rifles. After confirming their driver’s ID, they
were motioned through the gate.

“I get tired
of having to show my ID every time I leave or return to the compound,” complained
Grantz, looking at Kurt. “The guards know who I am. Why do I have to always
show my ID?”

“It’s a
formality,” answered Kurt, looking at the Profiteer. “Everyone must go through
it.”

“You could
always move out,” suggested Andrew. “You don’t have to stay in the compound.”

Grantz shook
his head. “Tenner needs me. He depends on me for advice on how to deal with the
various government agencies, the Profiteer clans, and other humanoid races who
have compounds on Kubitz. As much as I would like to move to better quarters
outside the compound, I am needed here.”

Kurt said
nothing. Grantz was paid a sum of credits each month to help Tenner with
negotiations on Kubitz. The Profiteer was very familiar with how everything
worked on the planet, including the black market. Kurt knew Grantz would never
move from the compound, not as long as he could earn more gold.

The embassy
compound contained one large building and half a dozen smaller ones. A barracks
for the Marine company, which had been assigned to the compound as security,
was of recent construction. The entire compound was surrounded by a thick
five-meter-high wall with two guarded entrances. Kurt noted razor wire had been
added to the top of the wall since his last visit. Also two small guard towers were
inside the compound with a pair of M240K machines guns, which could cover the
interior. To most, this might seem like overkill, but this was Kubitz, and nearly
all compounds were well protected to prevent break-ins. Every Profiteer on
Kubitz knew the larger diplomatic compounds kept a considerable number of
credits and even some precious metals on hand. It wasn’t unusual to hear of robberies.

Pulling up to
the front entrance of the large embassy building, Kurt saw Marvin Tenner come
out with a Marine captain. Everyone quickly unloaded from the two Humvees with
Kurt, Andrew, and Keera walking to Tenner.

“I see Grantz
went along to greet you,” Tenner said with a frown. “I wondered where he’d
vanished to.”

“I’m glad he
did,” answered Kurt. “I had some business I needed to discuss with him.”

Tenner nodded
and then gestured to the Marine captain beside him. “This is Captain Alan Briar,
in charge of our Marine force.”

Captain Briar
immediately saluted, and Kurt returned the salute.

“Captain,” said
Kurt, reaching out and shaking the man’s hand. “It looks as if you have things
well under control here at the embassy.”

“We try,”
Captain Briar replied. “Every day is a new learning experience here on Kubitz.”

“Why did you
come here?” asked Tenner. “I received a message from Governor Spalding about
purchasing some advanced construction equipment and automated factories to help
with all the colonists coming to Newton. I seriously doubt if that’s the reason
you came.”

Kurt nodded. “It’s
one of the reasons, but there’s something we need to talk about. Let’s go
inside. We have a meeting to set up.”

-

“I’ll give my
brother a call,” Keera said as they entered the embassy. She was anxious to
speak with him so she could better understand why he was so frightened.

“You and the fleet
admiral will stay in the main guest quarters,” Tenner said. “I’ll have someone
take your baggage from the Humvee to your room. Since your last visit, we’ve
added quite a few people to the embassy staff. You can make your call from your
quarters if you want. Also the cafeteria is open around the clock. Just let the
head chef know what you want and he’ll prepare it for you.”

“Have him come
to the embassy if you need to,” Kurt said to Keera. “There’s no reason for you
to go out on the streets here.”

Tenner glanced
at Keera. “If he does come, let the guards at the gate know he’s expected. However,
if you do decide to go out, Captain Briar will arrange for a suitable escort.”

Keera nodded.
She was nervous about seeing her older brother. She also didn’t care to be
wandering about Kubitz alone. She knew she would be safer with a Marine escort,
but, if she did have a military escort, her brother might not show. No, it
would be better if she could talk him into coming to the embassy.

-

In high orbit
above Kubitz, four 1,100-meter-long Dacroni battleships had just arrived. They
positioned themselves a short distant from the Newton fleet.

Dacroni Clan
Leader Jarls gazed angrily at the ships on the main viewscreen. The Dacroni
home world was a heavy-gravity world. Jarls was humanoid with bulky legs,
torso, and arms. His face was similar to a human’s but rounder and chunkier.
His neck was shorter with his head almost resting on his torso.

“The Humans
from Earth are here,” growled Salas, Jarls’s second in command. They had
received a message from the Controller station, informing them of the arrival
of the Human ships. Several informants were on board who were paid to keep the
Dacroni clan notified of developments that might be of interest.

“Newton,” responded Jarls gruffly. “That one ship is the
Star Cross
, the flagship of
Fleet Admiral Vickers.” It had cost some credits, but Jarls had wanted to know
the name of the enemy commander who had defeated him at Earth. A few inquiries
on Kubitz and the transfer of sufficient credits had yielded him the
information.

“They’re safe
as long as they remain in the Kubitz System,” Salas reminded Jarls. “We don’t
dare do anything aggressive against their warships.” Other Dacroni ships were in
the system, but they were not of Jarls’s clan.

Jarls knew
Salas was right. No way would he risk his ships by attacking the Newton vessels. The defense grid around Kubitz would instantly hit his fleet, and he was well
aware of what it was capable of.

“Send an FTL
message to High Profiteer Creed. I believe he’s currently at Marsten with the
remains of his fleet. Inquire if he’s willing to offer a reward if we destroy
the
Star Cross
.”

Even though
Jarls wanted the Human dead and his flagship destroyed almost as bad as High
Profiteer Creed did, it never hurt to see if some credits could be coaxed from
the Profiteer leader. Jarls knew Creed still had a sizable quantity of credits
tucked away from his partial looting of Earth.

“You intend to
follow them when they leave Kubitz?” asked Salas, realizing what Jarls was
planning.

Jarls nodded.
“Yes, our long-range sensors can reach out five light-years. When Vickers leaves
with his fleet, we’ll follow and attack as soon as they drop from hyperspace.”
Jarls knew the small Newton fleet would have to jump several times as it left
the star cluster. Vickers had made a serious tactical error in not bringing
along several more of his battlecruisers.

Salas nodded
his approval. “I would like to see this Human’s death even if credits aren’t involved.
“Should we send some teams to the surface and attempt to set up an ambush?”

“Yes, send two
teams to watch the Newton embassy compound. If Vickers leaves, they’re to take
him out if the opportunity presents itself. No heavy weapons. I don’t want to
get the Enforcers or the Controllers involved. This needs to look like a casual
hit and nothing out of the ordinary. If we can’t get him on Kubitz, then we’ll
blow his ship from space when he leaves.”

-

In orbit above
Marsten, High Profiteer Creed listened to the message from Dacroni Clan Leader
Jarls. All the planets in the Gothan Empire had advanced FTL communications.

“The Humans from
Newton have returned to Kubitz,” said Second Profiteer Lantz as he turned to
face the High Profiteer. “Dacroni Clan Leader Jarls wants to know what you will
pay if he destroys the
Star Cross
and kills Fleet Admiral Vickers.”

Creed stood up
and walked to stand next to Third Profiteer Lukon at Communications. “They have
an embassy compound in the capital city. It was only a matter of time before
they returned.”

“This is the
first time in over a year the
Star Cross
has shown up at Kubitz,” added Lantz.
“We might not get an opportunity like this again.”

Creed nodded
as he thought over his options. Fleet Admiral Vickers and the
Star Cross
had cost him potentially billions in credits. Between the loss of Earth and now
Julbian, Creed could have been one of the richest Profiteers on Marsten.

If Jarls could
destroy the
Star Cross
along with Vickers, then Creed just might be able
to return to Julbian and potentially even Earth. His flagship still needed
repairs from the damage suffered in the battle with the
Star Cross
and
Vickers’s other battlecruisers. Creed knew the Human was a dangerous adversary
and needed to be eliminated.

“They are in
the heart of our empire!” Lantz said with feeling.