Galactic Freighter: Scourge of the Deep Space Pirates (Contact) (14 page)

Buck invited Captain Tollecan to join him on the pinnace and received a gracious acceptance. Tollecan, tall, but a head shorter than Buck, slender, with a professorial appearance saluted and stepped aboard. Buck returned the salute and welcomed his counterpart. Not far up the passageway, Buck stepped aside and motioned the captain into his cabin. Over the next hour, Tollecan made known they had found the long-life gene information and Buck reciprocated. He didn't mention the Molly Celeste's original destination was Euterpe. Buck had no knowledge why the two kingdoms broke relations and didn't ask Tollecan. They exchanged personal information, and agreed to suggest the exchange of emissaries to their rulers.

For seven days, visits between crewmembers became commonplace. Then the ships parted, each headed for their home world.

Now that another planet knew of the long life gene, Buck decided it best to return to Iona for consultation. Euterpe could wait.

***

Time seemed to pass quickly, in reality it took three years before leaders of the two worlds met and agreed to introduce the long-life gene. Sebastian expressed his opposition to Buck and Molly continuing to space as freighters particularly since Molly had delivered Buck twin sons.

"Sire, I am what I am, as is Molly," Buck said politely.

Sebastian seemed lost in thought for a moment. "I've been chasing an idea and its finally coming into focus. Think about this: bring all the freighters into a consortium under the crown and call it Inter-World Transportation Ministry. Keep it within your duchy. That's as much a part of who we are as anything. Effectively, you would administer Iona's off-world logistics. That is everything but the military, of course. My Navy will provide protection as it fits our political objectives."

Buck eyed the Emperor, unsuccessfully trying to hide his amazement. "Sire, can you imagine what would happen to me if I walked into a meeting of freighters and told them what you just said? In less than a millisecond they would haul me aboard a ship and I'd get shoved out an airlock."

"Not so. In fact, we bring the Commercial Space Registry and Orbit Control under your jurisdiction as well. Freighters have complained for years that they are discriminated against when it comes to assigning space slots and other matters. I like the idea. Give it some though, particularly how you can sell it."

Buck bowed and backed out of the office believing the Emperor's idea was one of the worst he'd ever heard. That observation he shared with Molly.

Chapter Thirteen:
Freighter Ministry

B
uck could hardly believe the cheers when the freighters heartily approved coming under the Emperor's commission. Many claimed they'd been without a voice and they had earned a place at the table. It took a month to get something resembling a functioning ministry but not without resistance from ministries losing a piece of their turf. Politely, Buck suggested that they send their complaints to the Emperor. That ended the bitching.

Raising two boys aboard a spaceship whipping around the galaxy proved a bad idea. Molly moved dirtside into the house she'd always wanted. She'd not seen the design as Buck forbade her visiting the construction
site for which he caught a goodly share of guff. He had asked her to tell him what she wanted and from that, designed her dream home
.
And there was the problem that Molly was in the line of succession to the throne.

Grand by any standards, and befitting the second wealthiest man on Iona, the home stood on a knoll overlooking a lake and arboretum on the edge of their duchy. It was all Buck's design.

Four columns that reached to the eaves fronted the two-story stone mansion. Discreet hand-carved moldings framed the doorway. Inside the grand entry, seventy white marble steps spiraled to the second floor. Centered on the entry, a Primo
Crystal
Chandelier hung from the seven-meter high ceiling. Even
Sebastian marveled at its splendor. "Six bedrooms all with bathrooms," Buck said obviously pleased with Molly's response. With everything in the house specifically designed to accommodate two hundred plus centimeter tall bodies, not all guests appreciated his claim as sensitive to his them.

Buck, as Minister of Inter-World Transportation, made trips to other worlds negotiating on behalf of the empire and freighters. He petitioned Sebastian to have his title change to minister, forgoing the lordship.

Rates and tariffs became an everyday part of his vocabulary. Not everyone saw matters the same way. Some people existed on the fringe of society. Contraband had become a major problem and working with the Royal Navy, Buck searched for ways freighters could help curtail the problem.

***

Buck keyed the icon, "Yes." Still puzzling over the illicit trade, he spoke more curtly than he intended.

It was the Emperor's secretary with word the monarch wanted to see him soonest.

Buck gathered a few items, called for his aircar, and shortly arrived at the palace.

Mathew Ephraim, a former policeman, relished his role as driver of the First Lord and lamented it would now be
just
minister. Buck ignored the complaint and the two swapped stories and experiences.

Buck waited in the Emperor's office and bowed as Sebastian entered. When alone, or with family, Sebastian had insisted they use first names. Buck had no problem with that, but at times preferred to use the honorific.

"Good Morning, Buck." Sebastian crossed the room and extended his hand. "We need to talk over this problem with illegal goods." He motioned toward chairs facing a window. "I understand you're working it?" Sebastian's manner suggested he'd tolerated this menace long enough.

"Yes Sire. Actually, there are two problems. The pirates are on the loose again. They know which ships to hit: those that are the most vulnerable and have the richest cargos. The smugglers manage to eluded every trap we've laid for them which means they had foreknowledge. It seems the traffickers have wormed their way into a number of governments, and that may include Iona. As one might suspect, the traffickers never lose a load. I suspect the groups are one in the same or are closely allied."

"And your plan?"

"Majesty, in the near future, Blue Diamond Consortium plans to make a shipment to Galactica. It's worth over one hundred million imperial credits." An imperial credit had the value of ten Galactic credits. Most people could expect fifty credits monthly take-home pay, a goodly sum but nothing compared to what these two were discussing. Buck planned to space without any diamonds aboard the Molly Celeste and, escorted by two of his armed freighters to aid the deception. "We will forgo publishing our itinerary in the CSR (Commercial Space Registry). If we get hit, that can only mean the gem runners have someone in our midst. In any case, we'll be ready. Of course, once we're on orbit, we'll take on fifty Marines. The High Admiral thought it an excellent idea." All legitimate spaceships published their departure, heading, and arrival in the CSR. If they had problems or were overdue, finding them was infinitely easier. Rogue spacers never publishing their itineraries. On occasion, the Navy posted a departure and arrival usually when going on or returning from a flag-showing cruise.

"One hundred million imperial credits." Sebastian repeated what Buck had said. "Going to make them think we're sneaking them through. And the armed freighters will provide the escort to Galactica. Do I have it right?"

Buck nodded—something also a no-no in dealing with an emperor.

Pensively, Sebastian added, "And your idea is that the pirates will take the bait and your ships will destroy them. Risky. I seem to remember Federation rules prohibit an armed ship from entering their space without prior approval. Security against a rebellion."

"We'll space to within five billion kilometers and the Molly Celeste can enter the system alone. As she has approval, it shouldn't be a problem."

"I agree. Thinking they could capture that size haul should attract the pirates. They could retire on it. Quite an incentive.

"What happens if the plan fails and you are captured?" Sebastian's emphasis clearly showed his concern. "When they discover the trickery, your life will be forfeit. I don't like that."

"That would be a problem." Buck chuckled. "Molly asked the same question only with a little more gusto. Just have to play it out and I don't plan to be captured."

"I'm not so sure you should captain the ship. Can't you assign someone else?"

"Yes Sire, I plan to ask Danko Ravits to take the captaincy. I could stay on Iona but won't unless you order me to. And I'm asking you to let the plan go forward as is."

Sebastian looked out across the expanse from the window. "Buck, I cannot have a minister exposing himself to this kind of danger. It isn't that it's unseemly, more than that. You are in the job because you were the best choice and I have come to rely on your judgment. Your successes have earned you an honored place in the realm. More personally, I would hate to lose you. And then there's Molly." They both knew the risks that space held and suspected the blue diamonds would attract some very rough and determined people.

"I suspect your nemesis Jarred Mahoney's hand is behind this upsurge in piracy. It goes beyond the diamonds. I can't ask someone else to do this.

"Who would run the ministry?" Buck took Sebastian's question as an additional roadblock.

"Admiral Basselrod, Your Majesty."

"He's running your freight business. Won't that be a conflict of interest? Or at the least, accusations will strongly suggest that."

"Don't think so. The freighters like him and his naval reputation will stifle anyone wanting to make trouble."

The two sat quietly for some time both looking out the window. Breaking the awkward silence, Sebastian said, "Be careful. You are placing yourself at risk." His manner and voice that of someone who feared the worst.

Buck assured the Emperor he would make appropriate safeguards, bowed, and backed out of the office. Summoning his driver, they headed for the office. He keyed the comm as they lifted off. "Tommy."

"Hey Buck, excuse me, Minister Fryman, how are ya and why ya callin' me? How long's it been, a couple of years at least."

"That and then some, Tommy. What's going on with you? Keeping busy?"

"No, been bored outa my skull. The missus tries ta keep me busy with stuff I'd rather not be doin'. Without that, I'd be talkin' ta myself."

"Interested in making a run?" Tommy had followed through with his retirement plans but money didn't buy satisfaction. Having spaced most of his adult life, being a homebody didn't come easy for Tommy.

"I'm sayin' yes but you know I got myself married so the missus gets her say."

Buck laughed. "That I understand. How are your wife and any kids?"

"She's fine and we got two, a boy, and a girl. Both doin' jist fine. How 'bout Molly, excuse me, Lady Fryman? That takes a little gettin' used to. Whatcha got goin'?"

"Molly's fine as are the boys." Buck paused a moment, mostly to ensure that Tommy understood it wasn't business as usual. "A trip that needs to be kept quiet and it'll take six months."

"What do I call you?" Tommy asked his voice without hesitation.

"Since you've said yes, Minister, at least until you talk to your wife."

Tommy laughed. "You bet, Minister."

Buck broke the connection and commed Danko Ravits. Ravits now owned his own freighter, making mostly the short hauls that started Buck in his original business.

"This old bucket is due for an overhaul, so Captain, I say yes. What have you got in mind?"

"Captain the Molly Celeste."

Ravits almost choked agreeing. Among freighters, spacing at the helm of the Molly Celeste could keep the bar talk going for weeks. He received the same admonition as Tommy to keep it quiet and Buck broke the connection as the aircar glided to a stop at the Inter-World Transportation Ministry building.

Molly made known her dissatisfaction with Buck making the trip but understood what was involved. Breaking the back of the illicit spacers carried a high priority. One hundred million imperial credits would attract the worst of the worst. She accepted Buck's reasoning that he couldn't assign that risk to anyone else. It was his to take.

During the run up to spacing, questions and curious looks followed anyone dealing with the Molly Celeste. Danko Ravits's name in the registry as captain instead of Buck Fryman's sparked questions from the curious royal watchers and newsies. Anyone associated with the Molly Celeste had been sworn to secrecy, further ramping up speculation. When the manifest did not appear in CSR, as with most spacing ships, those working in the Inter-World Transportation Ministry got the message and the Molly Celeste ceased to be a topic of discussion. Buck could not have been more pleased. Seldom did anything appear in the newsies concerning diamond movements. That didn't change. The increased security at the spaceport confirmed that a high value cargo had arrived and would soon lift to an on-orbit ship keeping the deception intact. Buck saw to it that information on the movement of blue diamonds leaked.

People, even in the ministry, assumed Ravits’s appointment as captain meant Minister Fryman would remain on Iona. Buck's second in command knew better and kept quiet. If form followed function, the pirate's attention would focus on the Molly Celeste and other events on Iona would be of little or no concern.

Late one night, instead of returning to the ministry, Buck boarded a launch at the naval spaceport and ten hours later stepped onto the Molly Celeste's hanger deck. After he arrived, a pinnace from an on orbit Navy cruiser docked. Deckhands secured it to the deck rails. The rear hatch opened and fifty fully armored Marines marched out, closed the rear hatch, and attached the Royal Seal. This again added to the deception. It provided no real protection, but to open the hatch meant someone had to break the seal, and a silent alarm would spread the word. Quarters were provided for these men and women just off the hanger deck, giving them immediate access to the pinnace.