Henry Gallant Saga 2: Lieutenant Henry Gallant by H. Peter Alesso

Author:H. Peter Alesso
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: H. Peter Alesso
Published: 2014-08-11T17:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 17

DEALMAKERS

The climate of Kauai had a dramatic impact on the design and comfort of house construction in Hallo. From sea level to the peaks of volcanoes, moisture-filled trade winds blew ninety percent of the daytime, causing micro-changes in climate. Instead of a sun-drenched tropical paradise as many expected, many locations suffered perpetual nimbus clouds and over four hundred centimeters of rainfall yearly. The rainy areas were mostly north of Hallo, extending into the jungle regions adjacent to the volcanoes. In contrast, near-desert conditions prevailed a few dozen kilometers to the west of Hallo. In between were rich farmlands and large grazing ranches for livestock. Hallo property owners were grateful for the trade winds because the nearby farms and animal pens could produce unpleasant odors. Many of the individual homes maintained large gardens to have fresh fruit and vegetables at their fingertips. Considering the tropical trees grew at a rate of four meters a year, crops were bountiful.

Overall the town of Hallo enjoyed stable warm tropical weather year-round. Housing construction used low-pitched roofs with overhanging eaves to improve air flow and ventilation. The foundations were heavily reinforced with rebar because of frequent earthquakes accompanying the nearby volcanoes. Bugs, birds, and rodent infestations, along with large temperature changes from day to night, were frequent problems for the local residents.

The Hepburn house was pleasing to the eye. It was a simple two-story structure with a spacious floor plan. The windows and doors were left open for improved air circulation. The house was painted a pleasant pale green with dark green eaves and window frames. The landscaping was well kept, and the vegetation was cut away from the house to avoid a buildup of dead material. White, yellow, and green flowers and plants adorned the walkways around the house.

Inside the furniture was simple but attractive and comfortable.

Gallant had been impressed with Hepburns’ home when he had visited it previously and he expected to enjoy a relaxed visit this evening, but that was not to be the case.

He had come to draw on Alaina’s grandfather’s vast asteroid mining AI control systems experience to learn how to improve the efficiency of the UP mining and manufacturing operations here on Elysium. However, James Hepburn’s cold reception was unexpected.

The professor sat in his living room, frowning.

Hepburn’s words were harsh and vitriolic as he lashed out. “Why are you arming Wolfe? Before you came, Wolfe’s Special Security Police had only a few crude revolvers. Now they’re walking around with laser handguns and plasma rifles. You’re undermining our people’s rights. We want a democracy on Elysium, not a dictatorship. I demand you stop immediately.”

Gallant took his most diplomatic posture. “My commanding officer has approved the agreement with President Wolfe. In return for the rights and assistance to mine and manufacture equipment to refit our ship, we’ve agreed to provide a limited number of small arms weapons. It was our understanding they would be used for the defense and protection of Elysium’s population. I also was informed this was agreed to by the Elysium Council and a plebiscite would be held as soon as possible to ratify it.

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