Subtle Implications
25 Mar 2024Ryuko Ntsikana
Subtle Implications
Colonia Region
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Fifteen million wasn’t bad for a couple of short-range passenger charters. Tara had flown both of them as I studied the surrounding systems, planning the first trial runs for the Krait Mk II. I wasn’t going to lie; my head wasn’t in the right place to run around liquored businessmen, especially after last night. In fact, the hangover I should have been suffering from had never appeared. The worrying part was that for the majority of the day, I didn’t feel most of my head. It was almost numb. I had no idea what the locals at the planetary starport put in their wicked brew, but I wouldn’t mind taking a few cases of it for my benefactor’s agents, and maybe loosening a few tongues with it.
By the time we landed back at our hangar, the robotic gantries were already in motion as one of the foreman’s maintenance androids approached as Tara, Aby, and I exited the Python.
The android held out a tablet for me to look at. “Per your order, she is fully stocked and armed from your supply crates. All is ready to fly whenever you are ready, but you will need to modify your fire group settings to your own liking.”
Everything looked in order as I pressed my palm on the tablet, listening to it beep when it had confirmed my genetics were a match. I handed the tablet back as the android bowed slightly, in a weird imperialistic manner. “Happy hunting … commander.”
It had the same dull ice-white paint scheme that my Python had. It looked good under the hanger lights but did not reflect the light. This scheme was also good at collecting and showing off any astrological dust we happened to fly into or through, giving it a fine coating of whatever the background was, allowing it to blend in better.
“Tonight we go hunting,” I said facing Tara but looking past her to Aby, “if that is within the confines of the agreement?”
“As long as it is in keeping out of legal entanglements, there should be no issue.”
“Aby, go see the local vendor. Before we depart I need a minimum of five androids, with refined motor skills and expanded storage capacity, and at least five battle droids.”
Aby tilted his head to one side. “Do you have a ceiling for the price?”
“You are skilled enough to make an educated decision on my behalf and have already done well with the attendant droids on the Python. I don’t doubt your abilities. We need them here before this evening.”
Tara maintained a stoic expression, even though I knew she didn’t understand why I needed them.
“Thank you for your confidence in me. I will seek to fulfill the request,” Aby nodded, leaving with haste across the hangar.
Tara waited until Aby was gone before her look changed to one of curiosity. “Why all of the droids?”
“Most people are unaware of everything a pirate ship might contain, and while it will differ between crews and clans, I have learned from an old pirate to always have certain pools of knowledge close at hand, along with a few armored monsters for just in case.”
Tara searched her neural network for a few minutes. I knew she wouldn’t find the answers that way, as it was one of those things that were too broad to define, and anything second or third-hand publicized report would not be accurate.
“I have various master programs for droids, that will give them the skills and knowledge necessary for sommeliers, cicerones, mixologists, and the like. That way, anything we take in that category one or more of them can accurately assess the true worth versus the galactic average. I also have files for basic to advanced medical, maintenance, and combat actions.”
Tara’s eyes lit up. “Hence why you need the fine motor skills and expanded storage.”
“Yes, and of course a few battle bots are always handy if you need to crack a hatch or a few security,” I said with a smile creeping onto my face.
Tara gave me a playful pat on the ass, looking up at the Krait. “I don’t doubt their skill but I would feel better if we double-checked their work and ran a complete diagnostics.”
I patted the front landing gear on the ship. “I’m sure that’s all you want to check,” as she gave me a side-eye look with a playful grin appearing on her face. I made it as far as the commander’s cabin aboard the Krait before I was pounced on once again. At this rate, I wasn’t going to be worth anything.
A few hours later, I lay on the bed in the main cabin aboard the Krait, spent of energy as Tara’s head rested on my chest. I wouldn’t go as far as saying that I was developing real emotions, but the nagging question in my mind kept replaying itself, along with her reply to it: What was the dividing line between synthetic and sentience, and when did programmed mimicry become real?
Unlike Tara, I had known others, even had a relationship with a few, in my younger years. I never could decide then whether it was nice or not to have someone waiting for you to return after each raid, heist, and other assorted happenings. Sure, a hold full of loot always puts you in a good mood, especially if you were higher ranked and had a better part of the share.
Later, in my bounty hunting days, there was no one but the next target, the next problem system, and the next war. Thoughts of any hair-pulling cardiovascular workout were pushed so far to the back of my mind that it became as if it never existed, never thought about. Whether I lived to collect those large bounty checks was all there was. It was hard to even think about whether there would be a tomorrow, only the payday and the scalp of another of those I once called kin, placed into my credit account.
My original intent was to have something far beyond anything Aby could be, to counter my benefactor’s eyes and ears. To be something I could bounce ideas off of, and simply something to hang on my arm. That it was surpassing the ‘better than nature’ tagline was something my mind, at that time, could not imagine. Now her head was on my chest, and I could feel her breathing and warmth. I could feel my own heartbeat being reflected back into my chest. What was real?
A chime sounded, breaking me out of the circular curiosities of my mind.
“Yeah Aby, what is it?”
“I have arrived with the androids you have requested, and there is an invitation from a local, for you and Ms. Sha to join him this evening. I did not tell him you were available, and he did not give me his title, but his dress and entourage denoted someone of high status. If you are interested, one of his members provided me with the source of contact.”
“Take the droids to the cargo bay, and I will think about the offer.”
I disconnected, looking down at the mass of black hair, lying on my chest.
***
The last thing I needed was another forced attempt from someone looking to recruit me, but Tara reminded me that this was not an anarchy station, nor were the petty pirate lord types to be seen anywhere near it. Most I had met were of similar ethnicity, and it was also the planetary base I chose to rent out hangar space, to house my budding operations, and to blend in with those who appeared similar to myself. A meeting with someone of status was not one I could easily ignore, not until I knew who was who.
I tentatively made contact with what turned out to be a well-designed feminine android, who had been expecting my call, and as Aby had reported, a time and place for a dinner meeting had already been set a few hours from now. There were no mentions of being armed or not, only that the dress code should be appropriate for first introductions.
The best dress either Tara or I had was our business flight suits, which were upper tier and tailored, designed for business professional flying. The thought that I would be disarmed on arrival crossed my mind, but not knowing what we were walking into, and with no mention made, I opted for my Zenith laser pistol while Tara was more pragmatic, choosing the simplicity of a vibroblade.
Like any good hunter, I studied each of the station’s floor plans, identifying points of ingress and egress. I wanted more than one way in or out, depending on how things went. If things went really bad, Tara would take the Python and I would take the Krait. If possible, either of us, or both, would give the Vulture a burst or two, on departing.
The restaurant we were to meet at was rated as the classiest the Starport had to offer, and I was sure the prices matched its title. I knew it was too late to physically go and case the joint prior to the meeting, as there wasn’t enough time, and they likely had their own people securing the area ahead of the principal's arrival. Snooping around would do nothing but create trouble. If this were a planned event, days or weeks in advance, the situation would be different.
Aby had a look of concern on his face, or as much of one as an android could have, as I briefed him before we left. If things didn’t go well, I would need the battle bots to hold back any oncoming tide long enough for us to get away. He was to go with Tara, and we would all meet up in the orbit of the planet where we had laid claim to the abandoned Krait.
At the end of the tram ride to the center spire column of the starport, a group of fashionably attired cybernetic guards were positioned near a set of transparent steel walls that contained within it an ornately decorated door. Unlike other high-end restaurants, that would be at the top of the spire, this one was situated at ground level, in the center of a carefully manicured Zen garden, with a few potted Bonsai trees in front of traditional Shoji screens, that partitioned off the restaurant from the outside. At random points, other well-dressed and attentive guards were positioned.
None of the guards looked at us directly, instead opening the door for us to pass through, without checking us for weapons. I paused for a moment before walking through as Tara gently squeezed my hand. The path through the immaculate Zen garden was mesmerizing as we approached the second group of guards outside of the Shoji screens. These did search us in a careful and professional manner, taking both my pistol and Tara’s knife.
Without saying a word, one of their members slid open a door, as Tara and I stepped through.
I looked back as the security man slid the door closed as we passed, noting that each of them was a cyborg. Tara studied the scene, as yet another cyborg, this time feminine, wearing a well-tailored outfit, that had been inspired by ancient kimonos, approached us with a smile, bowing, and saying something in a language I had not heard since I was a young child.
There were several of the same types of security cyborgs scattered around, but only a few people were seated on mats behind a low table. Each of them rose as we approached, with the cybernetic lady who had led us, bowing then dismissing herself. The man in the center, dressed in clothing that seemed to shimmer without moving, bowed slightly.
“I am glad you could join me, I am Kagehiro Shinkai-san, CEO of Shinkai Industries. My business caters to specific extraction economies. The person to my right is my trusted advisor and personal assistant, Sakura Tanaka-san. She has been invaluable in helping me manage my affairs and ensuring that my business runs smoothly."
I bowed in return with Tara following my lead. “I am Ryuko Ntsikana and my lovely companion and business associate is Tara Sha. Forgive my cultural ignorance, but I am not accustomed to the specifics of introductions in this type of cultural setting.”
Kagehiro motioned for us to sit as he poured each of us a cup of what looked like green tea, while a group of android servants began setting down various dishes and additional beverages.
“I have followed your path with keen interest, since choosing this planetary facility to house your operations. After checking your background I discovered that we could have a shared interest, that could be beneficial to both of our affairs.”
The scene had me feeling like I had stepped back in time. It wasn’t that I had never dealt with someone on Kagehiro’s level before, it was usually during chance encounters when raiding a ship or colony. That he had run a background check on me was a little disconcerting. An old pirate turned bounty hunter, exiled to the Colonia region to play errand boy for a benefactor I had met once and who was as elusive to me now as he was then.
Kagehiro motioned at the plates of various foods that were set on the table before us. “Please, eat your fill, my business will be brief and to our mutual benefit.”
Tara remained stoic, assessing the situation, and I had no doubts she was sizing up each of the cyborgs, working through scenarios in her neural network of how she would neutralize each one if events dictated it.
“It appears I am a captive audience,” I said with a slight smile, looking around me.
Kagehiro smiled in return. “Your newest acquisition has been outfitted in a unique all-encompassing manner. Especially the frame shift interdictor, weaponry, and overall performance and capabilities.”
I did my best to maintain a faux smile, not letting my annoyance show. “I like to keep my options open.”
The corner of Sakura’s mouth formed a half grin, and her eyes narrowed when she nodded her head.
“As you can see I have plenty of security but what I don’t have is someone who knows the people in a system near this location. Sure I have my own, filtering through the area, to try and second guess their types and movements, to protect not only my assets but those of the larger ruling faction. None of them however are as well versed in that life as you are, which leads us to this moment and setting.”
Tara picked at different morsels, placing them on her plate and feigning disinterest in our conversation as I observed Kagehiro closely. “If you are expecting me to engage in piracy for you, I’m afraid that’s not something I can entertain. I'm committed to maintaining my independence and avoiding entanglements in others' politics.”
Kagehiro glanced at Sakura, who scrutinized me while sipping her tea. “We have no intention of compromising your principles. What we seek is your cooperation during your independent endeavors. If you happen upon information or equipment that could enhance our security holdings, we'd appreciate your passing it along. Rest assured, you will be generously compensated, and there will be no contracts or agreements that infringe upon your autonomy in any way.”
Sipping my tea, I glanced at Tara, who remained silent.
“With the exception of a few ventures into that territory and some fortuitous happenings, I'm largely unfamiliar with the specifics of that area. The last time we were there, their logistical activities were confined to normal space. Discovering anything there would require a stroke of luck that would fry the circuits of this entire facility.”
Kagehiro nodded at Sakura, who briefly tapped away on her tablet. His smile remained as he turned his attention back to me. “You see, that kind of information is invaluable to us. As a gesture of our appreciation, Sakura-san has just deposited a million credits into your account.”
Sakura nodded, addressing both Tara and me. “It's evident that you'll be embarking on explorations soon. We simply ask that if you encounter any of our equipment or notice changes in their patterns, you inform us. We're all in our respective businesses to turn a profit, and we compensate handsomely for anything that aids in safeguarding our operations and our employees.”
Kagehiro gestured to one of his nearby security personnel, who bowed and muttered something inaudible into his ear.
“Your hangar fees have been waived, which should assist you as your fleet expands.”
Tara paused her meal, turning her gaze to me.
“I have no qualms about sharing information, but I won't align with anyone or take sides, under any circumstances.”
Both Kagehiro and Sakura smiled. “Agreed. Please keep the maintenance foreman in mind. He offers generous compensation for salvageable scrap.”