GalacticAffairs.PDF by Ing

Author:Ing
Language: eng
Format: epub

* * *

When Undhara appeared on the view screen early the next morning, Jahni studied it eagerly. She’d heard much about the asteroid, but had never seen it. The northern half of the surface was scarred by the strip mining that had gone on for years.

Apparently, when one area was tapped out, they’d moved the mining equipment to another area and started up.

“Is there no ore in the southern hemisphere?”

“Probably,” Erok responded. “Guess they didn’t get that 45

ALLIANCE: GALACTIC AFFAIRS

far before Havir stopped the operation.”

“Then there’s no reason we couldn’t start mining again, once we have control of the asteroid. My superiors will find that information very interesting.”

She glanced at Erok and noted his tense expression. “It’s not just about your sister, is it? You sympathize with Ludosh and his followers.”

He turned to her, his gaze intent. “Yes. Ludosh had the best interests of the Ziganese people at heart All the people, not just the aristocrats. He’d have made a better leader than King Ormin. You should be able to understand. In your own way, you fought for the rights of your people.”

Jahni bit her lip. “Has Ludosh ever been offered any kind of amnesty?”

“No, King Ormin would never allow it.”

“Even if his new allies suggested it?” she asked.

“Would Havir have granted amnesty?”

“Of course not, but your King Ormin is a far cry from Havir. He seems to be a fairly benevolent monarch.”

“That’s a matter of opinion,” Erok growled.

Jahni decided to drop the subject, but made a mental note to speak to her superiors about approaching the Ziganese about amnesty. She could understand why Ormin might not want Ludosh returned to Zigan, but if he went into exile on Mhajav, it might be possible. So far, most of the damage done by the outlaws had been to property, but a raid on the asteroid could result in countless deaths if they tried to fight their way out.

46

ALLIANCE: GALACTIC AFFAIRS

Again she glanced at the screen. The processing plant was visible now through the foggy atmosphere, as well as the canopy used to collect the mined ores. Otherwise the ore would fly off into space, given the low gravity of the asteroid.

Erok stood suddenly. “Time to change. We’ll be arriving soon.”

She rose and followed him into the sleeping cabin. “Where will we land?”

He grabbed a warm overcoat out of the closet and put it on.

“Under the canopy.”

She grabbed her own coat and donned it. Undhara was known for its chilly temperatures. “Is it safe to land there?”

“Yes. The canopy was moved to an unmined area before the site was abandoned and a decent landing strip laid. Vessels not in use are stored in nearby caves.”

She shook her head. “No wonder our patrols never spotted any activity. We should have investigated further.”

He sat to pull on heavy boots. “They probably did. The entrances to the underground facilities are well hidden.” He rose and put a stunner into his pocket.

“Will we be allowed to keep our weapons?”

He shrugged and handed her a small stunner. “I’ve never had a problem before.

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