Galactic Freighter: Scourge of the Deep Space Pirates (Contact) (13 page)

"I fully understand, Majesty." The meeting broke and Buck headed for home unsure of what his life would be like.

***

A week passed before Sebastian summoned Buck back to the palace.

Wearing a newly purchased gray suit, Buck followed the secretary's direction into the Emperor's private office.

Buck would enter alone. That, in itself, told the freighter this was not a casual summons.

Upon entering, Buck bowed and accepted the chair Sebastian motioned for him to take.

The Emperor, also dressed in a gray business suit, remained standing behind his desk.

Buck blushed as Sebastian said, "I see we share similar tastes." He brushed the front of his coat and the freighter's redness deepened.

"Dr. Highlandermann says the data are invaluable and the samples you brought back are active," said Sebastian.

Buck noted the Emperor seemed pensive, and perhaps not overjoyed.

"A few years ago, word came to me that one person had survived what most thought was the annihilation of those who possessed this secret. I commissioned an exploration ship to determine the truth of the story. With the information you've brought, it is evident my scouts were looking in the wrong place. That means what you've accomplished is perhaps singularly the most important find in our history." Sebastian sat quietly for some time.

He opened his desk drawer, retrieved a small notebook. "Not many of these around. Most people have never seen one; even fewer this one." He waved a small black book filled with sheets of paper. "I keep my most private information in this little thing. Not being electronic, the only way this information could get out is for someone to steal it. Not likely to happen with it locked in my desk." He turned a few pages. "I may have another commission for you Captain." He paused and gave a looked at Buck that was anything but comforting.

"A few years ago word came to me that the long-life gene still existed: we just didn't know where. As you know better than I do, the galaxy is a very big place.

"There is a planet quite some distance, as I understand celestial navigation, well off the traveled space lanes where this person, and then his descendants, resided. For many years, this world was the center of commerce and contributed a number of major scientific discoveries. Over the years, its importance in silk diminished as other worlds entered the trade." Sebastian recited the general belief that a disease had wiped out the population. That in itself was sufficient to keep ships away. Whatever the case, the planet location became lost to the rest of the galaxy.

"If the coordinates I have here are correct, it isn't lost, just forgotten. I must find someone to verify it for me. Any suggestions?"

Buck breathed a silent sigh as the Emperor recited a few names of men and one woman he thought capable of doing the job.

"I imagine you and Molly have a great deal ahead of you. Becoming a Lord of the Realm in itself will keep you quite busy and of course, so will planning your marriage. I insist it come after your elevation. That makes it a royal wedding. We haven't had one since the Queen and I married. Long overdue."

"Yes, My Liege, and I plan to become a long haul freighter."

"Maybe we can couple that with a trip to this place." He waved the small notebook. "That would provide the cover I think this needs.

"What say you?"

"My Emperor, as you well know, once married, it is no longer just my decision. I must discuss this with Molly."

Sebastian laughed, as Buck had never heard him. "Very astute. You learn quickly, Captain." He stopped, pursed his lips. "Buck, I've mentioned this to you before. As you put your company together, can you arrange for me to drive one of the land freighters? One with real wheels? Rubber wheels." The Emperor seemed almost whimsical, something Buck doubted many others had ever seen.

The freighter savored the moment. It was one thing to be included in matters that concerned the empire but held in the Emperor's personal trust was beyond his wildest imagination.

"I want to drive a freighter with real wheels and you want to drive a freighter between planets. I think it can work."

"I estimate it will take at a couple of years to get my company up and running. That should provide ample time to prepare for a discreet flight to the coordinates you mentioned and squeeze in a private drive for you in a wheeled freight hauler."

Sebastian clapped his hands.

Chapter Twelve:
The Royals

"
L
ord of Brookside, Lord Buckley Fryman, and Lady Molly Celeste Fryman," cried the doorman as Buck and Molly entered the grand ballroom. Sebastian had designated an area named Brookside, used mostly by freighters and those with related business, as Buck's peerage.

Molly in a light blue full-length gown with a double string of black pearls hung around her neck.

Buck, wearing black tails, led his bride into the wedding reception.

Standing a least a head taller than any of the over one thousand guests, the couple made an imposing sight. They stopped before the Emperor and Queen and bowed. Buck then took Molly's hand and, following custom, led her onto the dance floor. He recalled the hours of stumbling lessons he'd endured a few years earlier.

Sebastian applauded the two as they waltzed to the strings of the royal orchestra around a polished marble floor that reflected the ornate gold filigree and gilded ceiling. Completion of one circle was the signal for others to join. Following the Emperor and Queen, the floor soon filled.

***

Buck stood at the pinnace porthole as they approached the queen of his new fleet, the
Molly Celeste
.

"Magnificent ship, Lord Fryman," said the pilot. "There isn't another like her in any fleet. Seems a shame she'll just carry freight. No offense intended."

"I'll try to remember that." Buck eyed the man as if he'd stained the name. He had hounded the naval space architects relentlessly to get exactly what he wanted. Even when they said something wasn't possible, he told them to find a way. Usually, they did, satisfying the freighter.

Buck's wealth was legendary: some suggested it second only to the Emperor's. Capturing and selling some fifty pirate ships gave him the credits to build and purchase the fleet he wanted. Ten deep space freighters, which fully loaded, massed over ten million metric tons each, made up his little company. Eight already plied the most lucrative lanes. In less than three years, Celestial Freighters had become one of the most successful haulers in the universe. Like every ship Buck had ever put into space, they were armed and could withstand a ramming. No pirate had dared attack a Celestial Freighter ship. His reputation preceded him.

The hanger doors closed, pressurizing the bay and then the space doors as Buck stepped from the pinnace and shook hands with the First Mate. Sideboard honors did not include civilian ships and had they, he would have forgone them. It was customary to ask permission to come aboard any ship. The Captain of a ship was still the ultimate authority over what happened on his ship.

Having finished his business, Danko Ravits waited in the passageway and greeted Buck. Promoted to replace the captain lost with the Forthright at Katakan, Danko had taken the Amaranth through its shakedown cruise.

"Are you ready to space?" Buck asked. Molly had selected Amaranth for the latest addition to the fleet, after a genus of herbs, as the ship specifically designed to carry high-risk sensitive foodstuffs, and the sole one of its kind.

"You bet, Captain. She's a beautiful ship and responds like nothing I've ever experienced."

"I know you'll take good care of her, Mr. Ravits. When do you pick up your load?"

"Leaving in a few minutes, my Lord." Protocol required Buck be addressed as Lord Fryman but Buck had instructed his inner circle to address him as Captain on matters concerning his ship. In public, they would follow the rules of the realm and use ‘Lord.’ "Just waiting to clear your pinnace and I'm off and I'll be in mine and headed for my ship." Danko's enthusiasm was infectious.

The two shook hands and Buck headed up the passageway. Stopping at his quarters just off the bridge, he kissed Molly and accepted a cup of coffee noting it was her best porcelain. He eyed her cautiously.

"I have some news for you," she said.

"Does that explain using your best dinnerware?" Buck sipped his coffee, added a generous amount of cream, cocked his head, and waited.

"I'm pregnant."

Buck dropped his cup.

Thanks to the high absorbent decking, the coffee spilled, and the fine cutlery stayed intact saving him a scolding. Momentarily stunned, he stared at his wife then took her in his arms, the hug bringing a slight groan. "When?" he exclaimed his face like that of a schoolboy hearing a forbidden secret.

"Six months," she said. "Twins."

Startled, he backed off. "Maybe I shouldn't hug so tight."

"Don't be silly." She pulled him close.

Buck had equipped the fleet to accommodate families. Medical facilities on board equaled anything dirtside, as did their school. A number of groups had complained to the Emperor that women and children aboard spaceships exposed them to unnecessary risks and freighters at that as if haulers were incapable of protecting their own. Buck's response when confronted by Sebastian was quite succinct. "Majesty, perhaps you should stop all commercial vacation ships from carrying women and children." Sebastian had the response released to the newsies and considered the matter closed.

"Load secure, Captain. We are okay to space," said the loadmaster. Buck, kissed Molly, and released her. "Time to go to work. As soon as we are on vector, I'll be back. We… I… need to hear a lot more from you." He squeezed her hand as they parted.

Stepping through the bridge hatch, he signaled the astrogator to get underway. With the orbit master's clearance, the Molly Celeste spaced outbound for an uncertain future.

The entire crew had undergone rigorous questioning before being told their mission. Euterpe, a world originally settled by pirates that had given up their buccaneering ways, was their destination. Even non-crew families had gone through the screening. After all, they might never return to Iona.

A thorough investigation indicated untold T-years had passed since Euterpe's last contact with Galactica. The planet had supplied the most exquisite silk and silk products. Not to be outdone, its scientists had been at the forefront of some astounding discoveries, with the discovery of FTL communications topping the list. Then, Euterpe dropped from the scene. From what little history had noted, a deadly virus had attacked, dealing both the population and the silkworms a deathblow.

Buck stood next to the astrogator's plot. "Captain, the coordinates you gave me are not for Euterpe. At least what we think are the right ones," he said.

"No, Benny, we're going to Seltsam and then stop at New Hope. Maybe we can find something that might give us a better vector for Euterpe," Buck responded.

That brought a number of nods from the bridge crew. Spacing with uncertain coordinates invited trouble. Spacing that close to the
void
required precise navigation and most ships avoided the zone that amounted to a barrier isolating a great portion of that sector of the galaxy. Electronic disturbances played havoc with the navigation equipment and sensors. Even with the best gear, the electrical chaos emanating from the troublesome area blinded most ships and invited disaster.

One million kilometers out from New Hope, comm reported.

"Captain," comm’s voice sounded alarmed, "Got something. Can't tell at this distance but looks like we're not the only ones interested. I think there's a ship on orbit."

Buck put the crew on alert and armed the cannons. "Hail them, all frequencies when we get in range," he ordered.

Tension on the bridge was palpable.

"Response coming in, Captain," said the comm operator.

"Put it on speakers," Buck said.

"Molly Celeste, this is the His Majesty's ship First Light, out of Alexandria. We are explorers. State your registry and purpose."

"Well, at least they speak English," Buck mused. "Anything from the computer?"

"Got it, Captain. Radiation pattern is Kingdom of Alexandria," said the comm. "She's not powered any weapons, picking up sensors only. And there are a few comments about reestablishing contact with them."

"Guess we ought to get reacquainted. Give them our ETA to orbit and request a meeting."

Concerned that the First Light may not be what it said, Buck had the crew prepare to repel any attempt to board the Molly Celeste. It was common for pirates to pull such a stunt. With the computer having little information on the ship or place of origin, Buck would err on the side of caution.

Alexandria and Iona had broken diplomatic contact one hundred years earlier following a shooting disagreement over asteroid mining. Alexandria didn't have the firepower to enforce their claims and redirected their interests toward Braeden. Iona just kept doing what he they had been. Excitement ran high on the Molly Celeste. Just the idea they were meeting with Alexandrians spurred all kinds of speculation.

"Send our standard package," Buck ordered.

Shortly, the signal went out displaying a photo of the ship and captain.

"Damn, they're human just like us." The excited comm operator displayed the incoming response.

"Captained by Montgomery Tollecan," Buck said.

"Orbit in ten minutes," said the astrogator. "How close, Captain?"

"Shuttle distance ought to do it." That meant fifty thousand kilometers would separate the two vessels.

Buck keyed the ship wide comm, "Everyone be alert just in case they try something sneaky." With fifty captured pirate ships to his credit, the captain knew virtually every trick.

Buck suggested the Molly Celeste position a pinnace halfway between the ships with an invitation to meet there—no weapons and two aides to accompany the captains.

With meeting and getting acquainted, distrust evaporated and information flowed between ships. Somewhere in the maelstrom of surviving, the earthlings had separated, each finding a suitable part of the galaxy to settle. Over the ensuing years, both managed to survive and prosper developing sophisticated societies.