Harvesting time
21 May 2022Claude Lecardunoie
I tried to find a quieter place, on a terrace to escape from both the crowd and the incense smell that was everywhere, but that was pointless. Zachary Rackham's event on Homeland planet was a success and the Rackham's building was full of guests. As for the incense, I think too many of these Pantaa Prayer Sticks were delivered. Even my pretty cocktail dress that I bought for the occasion was smelling it now. Still, it was pleasant to wear it, after all these weeks in anti-G pilot suits. How did I get in such a high society event? Well, let's go a few days back...
I delived my last cargo of Pantaa Prayer sticks in Edmonson High for monsieur Rackham last wednesday. So I contacted Rackham Capital Investement to get my reward. They told me to meet Rackham's event manager, Mrs Laprelli in Rackham Fundation building on Edmonson High. I didn't actually meet her, but one of her many assistants.
- "You've shipped about 700 tons of Prayer Sticks and Tree Grubs. M. Rackham would like you to know that he is very grateful. A reward of 20,400,000 CR has been transfered to your account. On behalf of M. Rackham I thank you again."
I think that all other pilots received the same kind of speech from one of Lapprelli's employee, but still 20M CR, plus the benefits I made selling the stuff for Rackham's celebration, I made about 30M just on this operation. For, me that is a lot!!! Actually, I told Cmdr Coolbeard, my once winger that this was a good plan, but he was on some other job, far away...
Rackham Fundation building was crowded with people as delegations fom various systems were suppposed to attend to Rackham's Party. They were all here, waiting to be shown their waiting lounges as Rackham was also arranged transportation to Homeland were the event was taking place. Actually, Edmonson High landing pads were full of high class passenger ships, Belugas, Dolphins and Orcas. Because, not only were there politicians and businessmen, but I also saw celebrities, famous athletes, artists, musicians like the band Gr@wl!x or Caspar Karma. Media were there to: I recognized logos from the Veroandi Gazette and saw that journalist from the Federal Times, Bryanna Blanco. I was strolling the corridors of the building, among these riches and famous, when I came across a Sirius delegation. And in it, there was my friend Imran Bouyangi. Imran was the Sirius Corp. logistician I met on this humanatarian operation on the Chariot of Rhea, some weeks ago.
- "Hey Imran. What are you doing here?"
- "Claude!! Well, Mr. Rackham wanted to honor Sirius Corp for the aid we brought to Didio people after the attack from the Thargoids. So here I am with some of my colleagues. Listen, I don't have much time right now, but here, I just transfered you an accreditation for the celebration on Homeland", as he swiped it on terminal. "Of course, it is not VIP one and you'll have to find your own transportation to get there. But let's meet there, ok?"
- "Well, sure, thanks", I answered while checking my notifications on my pocket terminal
I spent the next couple of hours in Edmonson High luxury shops corridors to find a nice dress and shoes to go along. I didnt' buy anything fancy but still it was expensive. Imperial style, I think, but no risk that I looked like a Countess, with my scar on my face and my depigmented eye!!!!
Next, I looked for a transportation for Homeland planet. There were some seats available, not on the luxury ships I mentionned above of course, just a T-7, fitted for passenger transportation. The other passengers, were like me, having a 2nd or 3rd level accredition for Rackham's celebration.
I had spent a whole day already, at Rackham's, enjoying the food, drinks and the entertainment, well only those I could access to with my rather low level accreditation. And here I was on this terrace, smelling incense and waiting for Imran.
I was finishing my cigarett, when he finally showed up.
- "Sorry, Claude. We've been incredibly busy all day long. Meeting with this Federation deputy or that system leader... And business meetings as well. So, how are things?"
- "Actually, pretty well. I made a lot of money working for Rackham last week, you know. 20M CR or so"
- "Good, and what are your plans now?"
- "Not to sure. Trading is ok, and I'll have to keep doing it once in while, for the credits you know. But aside that, I don't really know what my next move will be", I anwered.
- "Yep. I've got a proposal: Sirius Corp. has always oppurtunities for independant pilots like you. Of course, it won't always be humanitarian things like the other time. Often, it will be illegal, undercover and dirty. I think it is no surprise for you"
- "Yes, I am starting to understand how it works in the galaxy"
- "Sirius Corp. is supporting factions here and there. What I am asking you, is to work for these factions, trading, fighting, hacking for them... killing too, if need be. Is that a problem for you?"
- "No, not anymore"
- "Aside from this", and he started whishpering "Li Yong-Rui, our CEO, also have some more... let's say... personal goals. You know people like him, Emdund Mahon, Denton Patreus, Zemina Torval, this pirate lord Archon Delaine, they all have their own agenda."
- "You mean, aside from the Federation, Empire, Alliance or smaller powers struggle for influence?"
- "Yes. It's never as simple as it seems, here in the Bubble. I heard your story, in Veroandi. You suspect the Federarion, right? But that repression on the Revolutionary Party and the deportation of your friends., well the Federation itself is probably not behind it. They more likely are the victims of a more complex game. And if you want to have some kind of grip on the events, just think about what I just said and consider working more personnaly for Li Yong-Rui. He wants the best for the people, he wants to promote technology for the benefit of all mankind. I doubt the others are that concerned by the common good"
- "I'll think about it. But, not much I can do with my T-6"
- "A freighter's always usefull, and what, didn't you tell me you received 20M of credits"
I should have kept my mouth shut. I thought of Imran as a friend, then, an harmless humanitarian logistician, I just realized that he was more than that. But I liked what he said: having a grip on the events!!
- "Okay, I said, it is not a 'yes' yet, but I'll think of it. I was actually planning to buy a Vulture... I'll see if I'll use it to work for... to help you, I mean"
- "Excellent!! I am not asking for more. Clairaut City in 10 Tauri has a good shipyard, I am sure you'll find a Vulture there. And 10 Tauri is system where Li Yong-Rui as the kind of influence I just told you about, so give my name there, at the shipyard, they should give you a discount. With no expectation in return. Just think on my proposal and we keep in touch, okay? Oh, I've got to go, some speech I have to attend to."
I left the terrace to go to one of the many buffets. I was hungry suddenly. On a stage, near the buffet, there were exotic dancers from the famous Lucinda Ninespice Agency. Some others were probably in the many rooms of the building, providing some more private services. Actually, one of the performers approached me and asked me if I could invite him for a drink. I was a little drunk and also in my thoughts, so I didn't even answer him, I just pushed him away. I was thinking that it was time to harvest what I sowed these last weeks: spending some of my money on decent combat ship and then do some contracts for Sirius Corp. As for Li Yong-Rui private agenda and own views on how the galaxy should be ruled, I'll see.