Maxine McArthur by Times Past

Author:Times Past
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2011-12-16T14:06:42+00:00

“The orders came through Sector Five Division Three,” he said. Sector Five was the branch of the Confederacy bureaucracy that handled affairs of the Nine Worlds. Division Three was Security. “The orders were…”

he paused, then continued delicately, “emphasized by An Barik. His advice was to follow them precisely. I did so.” Murdoch and I shared a glance. An Barik wanted my experiment with Calypso II kept secret.

The immediate explanation was if news leaked out that a member of the Nine had used a jump drive, the Four would have to explain how that was possible and why everyone couldn’t do it The other explanation was that An Barik knew the Calypso jump point was off the network and wanted to keep that possibility quiet as well. Why hadn’t Barik simply prevented me from taking Calypso II? 1 supposed, because he needed me to go back to 2023 and set off the chain of events that resulted in the Invidi coming to Earth. “I’m sure you both agree I could not have done otherwise. Even had I wished it,” he added unexpectedly. “Why should you ‘wish otherwise’?” said Murdoch suspiciously. “What’s in it for you?” Veatch seemed unembarrassed by the question. “If use of the jump drive becomes more freely available, the status quo in the Confederacy Council may be disturbed. In this scenario, there is some probability that nonaligned worlds such as ourselves may gain economically.” “And the other probability?” said Murdoch. “The political upheaval may induce lawless elements, which were previously restrained by the presence of Con Fleet to attempt acts of violence.”

Murdoch met my eyes and I remembered his comments the night before.

How’s it going to help any of us right now? “However,” Veatch continued thoughtfully, “I have considered this matter at length and feel it is highly unlikely that either outcome would prove particularly detrimental for this station and the Abelar system.” He waited for Murdoch’s impatient “Well?” before continuing, his antennae perked with gratification. “This station is not on the periphery of the Confederacy in any sense other than that of physical distance which, as we all know and appreciate, is of little import in the present transport system which relies on the jump network. In fact, Jocasta’s position close to a point on the jump network places it in as important a position as any other place close to a jump point, whether that be Earth, Chene…” which was one of the main Melot systems, “or Rhuarl, to give random examples.” “You’re saying if we improve our in-system facilities, we could become a big center in this sector?” said Murdoch unbelievingly. “But not if we lose the neutrality vote, right?” I said, understanding Veatch’s reasoning. “If the Confederacy keeps control of who goes in and out of the jump point, we’re never going to get the people here who could help set us up as a major sector player.”

“An oversimplification, but I believe that is the gist of the matter,”

said Veatch, with nicely calculated condescension. “I do not think the Four Worlds will lose the monopoly over travel within the Confederacy.

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