Metal Swarm - Kevin J. Anderson [121]
'I don't know why the Hansa didn't manage you more effectively,' Rlinda said, 'but if we do things right, we'll be pouring wealth onto Rhejak faster than you can find places to store it.'
Allahu looked up from the Curiosity's manifest. 'Look around you, Captain Kett. This is already paradise. What more could we ask for?' Not far away, two medusas faced off in the water, batting playfully at each other with their tentacles. Shirtless adolescent riders stood precariously on each shell, shouting challenges back and forth, as if it were some sort of a game.
'Isn't it about time for us to go?' BeBob asked.
Rlinda let out a long breath. 'We're off to the Ildiran Empire next to do more Trade Minister stuff, and I can't think of any more excuses to stay here. We've got deadlines to meet, delivery schedules to adhere to. Thank you, Mr Allahu.' She worked herself out of the comfortable chair and extended a hand. This has been wonderful, like a second honeymoon.'
'Or a tenth,' BeBob said out of the corner of his mouth.
'Stop counting my ex-husbands.' She reasserted her businesslike expression. 'I'll make sure Rhejak is part of my normal trade run from now on. I'm sure we can find something you'd be interested in.'
'We'd welcome the chance to have you back,' Allahu said.
The negotiations had been exceedingly smooth. Rhejak, with its connections to the Roamers on Constantine III, had been among the first of the breakaway colonies to join the new Confederation. Everyone had agreed to switch loyalties - from the operators of the Company Works, to the medusa herders, kelp harvesters, reef grinders, and fishery homesteaders.
After loading a few more boxes of personal items and delicacies Rlinda had selected, she and BeBob climbed aboard the Curiosity and took off. She took a last, longing glance at the ocean and its mosaic of islands below them. Once they reached orbit, Rlinda called up nav charts to plot the best course to Ildira - a beautiful place, but not as pleasant as Rhejak.
She nearly jumped out of her skin when BeBob yelled, then scrambled for the copilot's controls. 'What the hell?'
She jerked her head up to see ten Manta cruisers in battle formation heading in their direction. The Curiosity had nearly run headlong into them. She changed course immediately, swerving out of the way. 'You can bet those aren't tourists.' Down in the hold, several cargo containers broke loose of their lashings and crashed noisily to the deck.
She hammered the transmitter. 'This is Voracious Curiosity calling Rhejak! You've got ten EDF Mantas showing up, and they don't look friendly.'
Beside her, BeBob said, 'Is there any way for unannounced battleships to look friendly?'
Allahu must have gotten back to his administrative hut. 'Fully armed Mantas? How can we fight against them?'
'How the hell should I know? Just… just be ready however you can.'
BeBob swung the controls and punched the manoeuvring engines. 'Hang on, they're ready to open fire on us!'
'Then get out of here!'
With its Roamer-modified engines, the Curiosity streaked past the incoming battleships, pulled up in a curve, and raced out of the system.
Seventy-five
Admiral Sheila Willis
Willis's weapons officer stared at his targeting screens, his brown eyes wide and anxious. 'Admiral, should I open fire? That ship's getting away.'
'Of course not. It's just a trader. Doesn't even look like a Roamer ship.'
'But… but Admiral, it's seen us.'
'So what?'
'But - but then everyone will know we've come to Rhejak. They might sound an alarm, spread the word.'
'Everyone's got to know sooner or later. I thought that was the whole idea - to get the rest