Chapter 19. Election Time
18 Nov 2020Black Llama
November 17, 3306Vaucanson Hub, Zandu system
I'm not very good at reading people, but with the way he shuffled uneasily in his chair, it didn't require expert skills to realize that Aide Otto Christensen of the Zandu Progressive Party was very worried. "You see, commander" he said, "the Progressive Party has been a guarantee of prosperity for this and many other systems for a long time. We are sure the population of Zandu will continue to place their trust on us and on the Federation..."
You're sure, right, I thought to myself. The facts are that in the space of only a few weeks, Flotta Stellare has expanded into the system, kicked Nandh Purple Allied Interstellar corporation out, and gained control of Frimout Horizons outpost. The ZPP, who have been comfortably controlling the system, are now being challenged in an election. "Well, Mr Christensen" I interrupt, "as a businessman I have to say it's nice to see democracy in action for once, after the regrettable amount of civil warfare we've seen on this system lately."
Christensen shifts his body forward, spreading his hands in a pleading gesture. "But don't you see what's at stake here? These are critical times. People are looking to the Federation for refuge and support. If this system is allowed to go independent, it will be a sign of weakness in the face of an ever more aggresive Empire."
I lean back on my chair and shrug. "Bueno, yes, but an independent status might actually be better - we'll be stepping out of the way and letting the big guys sort out their problems among themselves. And we could be free to decide who we want to do business with, at our best convenience."
All traces of a smile vanish from Christensen's face. "How can you say that? You're pledged to Zachary Hudson! What kind of a Federation supporter are you?" Before I can reply anything, the politician comes back - he collects himself and continues in a much softer voice. "I'm sure that after all these months of cooperation, you'll see that the Progressive Party is the best option for this system. Although we're confident of victory, since you want to focus on the business side, there are a number of tasks that we need done and we could use your help."
"Right now, I'm very busy helping the Star Chasers deal with some terrorists", I reply. "Send the list over - I'll see what I can do." Christensen stands up, shakes my hand with a smile, and walks out. After a few moments, Skinner appears on the door of my office and leans on the frame. "Well?" she asks.
"I'm not sure", I say as I scratch my head. "Flotta Stellare is also offering things to do, and they pay just as good a price. Honestly, an independent system seems a better idea for conducting business. We may even get better deals from the Sirius Corporation... Although things haven't been too bad with the Zapps in control. I'm tempted to get money out of them both."
"I'm feeling the same" Skinner says. "Anyway, we should be off to BD+03 1552. Plenty of pirates to hunt, and the clock is ticking."
"Right" I say, standing up. "Go prep the Rogue Star, I'll meet you in the hangar in 30 minutes." Skinner gives me her usual mock salute and walks out. After she's gone, I pick up my mobile, unlock the encrypted folder and transfer the data to the smartboard on the office wall. "Okay", I say out loud, "let's see if I can make any more sense out of this." Images and text start arranging themselves on the screen. I look at the data, trying to see a pattern which I'm not sure it's even there. Then I remember: "The biometric data from LTT 1935!" I shift the logs of the recognition algorithm to the center of the screen and start scanning them. But it's a really long list of possible matches, surely most of them false positives, and time is running out. I'll have to review this on the go. I transfer the logs back to my mobile and leave to board my ship.