Chapter Sixteen. Conflict in the Crew

THE ONLY ONE in the whole crew who knew about my secret understandings with the Prelates of Tailax was Valeri-Urla, but the Tailaxian girl was tactful enough not to mention it. To the other members of the crew, it looked very strange indeed that a high-level Meleyephatian Horde Spy was interested in their captain. And the false Trader attacking a prominent player (and an attempt to forcibly read someone else’s mind would surely be regarded as an attack) was completely beyond the pale for some of them. Most of my crew shared my outrage and were crying out for “spider” blood. After all, sending the discourteous Spy to respawn once was clearly not enough punishment. That brute needed to be taught a lesson and full bore!

When I told them my idea to break into the Meleyephatian Trader’s hangar and capture his frigate, my crew was quite enthusiastic. Yes, that it probably more fit the spirit of space pirates than the crew of a respectable and peaceful Free Captain. But I had pirate status, so we were in fact pirates! I wasn’t at all afraid that the official authorities of the Kasti-Utsh III station might intervene in my squabble with the Meleyephatian Spy who bit off more than he could chew because I had a story to tell the Miyelonians and something to show them:

My business partner Uline Tar took an identical trophy “spider” eye for herself. She was unexpectedly bubbling with martial spirit and ended up being the loudest voice in favor of attacking the enemy of the Geckho race. Her position was shared by all Geckho and Miyelonians in my crew, along with most of the humans.

Just Valeri-Urla was being cautious, telling us things like all members of the Meleyephatian race were born psionic, and them noticing that someone was holding back information was a totally commonplace affair. The Trader could have done it completely by accident, out of habit, and this was not a very serious breach of etiquette.

The only one who was categorically opposed to the planned attack was Denni Marko. The bodyguard reminded everyone in very emotional and blunt terms that the Gilvar Syndicate, where Denni lived in the real world, was a vassal of the Meleyephatian Horde. And the rulers of the Syndicate might really dislike his role in this whole story. But fear for his own fate was not the deciding factor in Valeri’s long-term companion’s position:

“We is really pirate? We is really going to war with Meleyephats?” Denni Marko looked from side to side, staring tensely at the crew and searching in vain for support. “I to be choose normal contract and no to sign this crazy venture! This is big stupid! I no to choose signing you contract if I know before!!!”

Denni was determined to be indignant about the fact that he was not clearly informed Captain Gnat might embark upon foolhardy ventures when signing his contract. By the way... Denni Marko had a big black eye covering half his face. In fact, the Bodyguard’s left eye was all swollen and could hardly open. I wonder who he got into it with and when? Could it be that Denni’s bad mood was not only because of the upcoming raid, but something else as well? I looked over my team attentively.

Kisly’s face also had fresh wounds on it, and the knuckles of the Machinegunner’s right hand were all bloody. Nefertiti’s emotional background was extremely tense and bothered as well. The Dryad was very angry at her husband and could not calm down. Valeri-Urla, whose mood I read very cautiously, was also on edge. Clearly something had happened there to make Denni Marko, already famed for his difficult temperament, get into an especially bad mood.

Nevertheless, the Bodyguard was asking very reasonable questions and I was even having a hard time finding answers to them quickly. As a neutral Free Captain, I was supposed to stay out of galactic politics, be on the side in all wars. And if I did support one side in a conflict from time to time, it couldn’t be too regular or high-enough level to arouse suspicion of working directly for them. But even still I had already helped the Geckho and Miyelonians on a number of occasions and was an active participant in military operations on the Geckho side, which did not go unnoticed by their Meleyephatian opponents. I was reminded of the secret negotiations on the back of the sea turtle in the middle of the bay, when the Prelates of Tailax tried to make me aware that I was “on the verge” and soon could find myself declared an enemy of the Horde. If I aggravated the conflict with the Meleyephatian Spy, again finding myself going against the Meleyephatian Horde, there was a high probability that I would be irrevocably crossing their “red line.”

Nevertheless, I couldn’t just turn tail and pretend like nothing out of the ordinary had happened. That would also be wrong-headed. Maybe Meleyephatians were used to having their minds read, and didn’t think twice about digging around in the brains of enslaved peoples to read whatever they wanted to know. But I am not a slave! I am a proud Free Captain, a prominent player and I cannot allow a representative of the Meleyephatian horde to use me as a doormat! Furthermore, it was very possible that our uncovering a Spy would leak to the station owners. Then the Miyelonians would have a good reason to be outraged that their guest Leng Gnat didn’t warn them first. By the way... I could actually play that up! What if I tried to get the Tolili-Ukh X frigate with diplomacy rather than force?

“Denni, you’re absolutely right. We really shouldn’t rush this, or do anything without thinking it through. We’ll try to get by without any bloodshed. Valeri-Urla! I need you to go into the real world and send a message to your prison guards from me. Listen close, it’s gonna be lot to remember!”

After that I sent everything mentally because I didn’t want the other team members to hear my top-secret message:

“Message from Leng Gnat to the Prelates of Tailax. The Meleyephatian Spy on the Kasti-Utsh III station made a serious misstep and exposed himself. And now Leng Sooweesssh Eleven, leader of the Nest of Horde Frontrunners has some very big problems: the Miyelonians will not let someone with so many important secrets off their station and will surely take him prisoner. And the Miyelonians have methods of cracking even a nut as tough as a level-207 Spy. Then the whole Nest of the Horde Frontrunners could be exposed, dealing a huge blow to the Meleyephatian spy network as a whole. Or Leng Sooweesssh Eleven will have to kill himself to keep his secret and just die, die, and die until his final death. But I would like to propose a different way out. I am prepared to save your careless Spy and evacuate him from the Kasti-Utsh III station to a safe location. Providing this service will my reputation seriously at risk, so my price will be: the Tolili-Ukh X star frigate that previously belonged to Leng Sooweesssh Eleven and which is now stationed in hangar 1-108. To my eye, that is a fair price and just compensation for the fact that an agent of the Meleyephatian Horde attacked me mentally. It would also be legal to take the frigate by force, because Leng Sooweesssh attacked me first, but I would like to maintain good relations with Tailax and the Meleyephatian Horde as a whole, which is why I am suggesting this alternative. I need the Prelates’ answer as quickly as possible while we still have a way of getting the Spy off the station. Valeri, did you memorize that? Excellent!”

“I have memorized it and will reproduce it accurately. But Gnat, before I leave the game, I must tell you one important thing. Denni Marko and I broke up. Yes, we are finished for good. One of the reasons was that he started flirting with that Dryad, and she was receptive. I mean, I’ve been feeling like ending things for some time, and there are many other reasons. I am a proud Great Huntress and I alone decide who is worthy to be with me. Denni has proven himself unworthy. I have spoken with him already and told him my decision. Denni Marko will be leaving your crew right after our next voyage as soon as his contract is up. So captain, you should get another space gunner ready to replace Denni Marko.”

The Beastmaster’s message knocked me off balance. In fact, I even ran out of Magic Points without noticing. Denni Marko would be leaving the team soon? I was going to lose the man responsible for operating my ship’s cannons? Unexpected and highly unpleasant news! And now I understood the reason for Kisly and Denni’s conflict – of course it had to be a woman, even if she was an NPC.

From there, with my mana bar empty, I had to speak to Valeri vocally. Thankfully there was nothing secret or compromising to either me or the Tailaxian lady in the rest of my message to the Prelates of Tailax:

“Valeri, tell them this. An item in the antiquities trader’s catalogue caught my eye: the Mechanoid Spatial Cutter. Leng Sooweesssh 11 will know what I am referring to. Anyhow, I would like to acquire the artifact. In return, I am willing to provide the precise coordinates of the place where Queen Tishhh-Ukhshhh, ancient ruler of the Rowonti-Tor system’s relics are hidden. So, a stash full of Relict treasures in exchange for a Cutter which Leng Sooweesssh has a high likelihood of losing anyway when Miyelonian special forces reach his ancient artifacts store and warehouse. So have him think quick. And finally, one last thing. Tell him that I really don’t like when people dig around in my head. That really bothered me and I truly hope this vexing incident will be the first and last time it occurs. If not, no further contact!”

The Beastmaster nodded in comprehension and froze motionless. Half a minute later, her character disappeared into thin air without a trace along with the luxuriant Shadow Panther weaving between her master’s legs.

I ESTIMATED THAT VALERI’S mission would take about half an hour. It wasn’t likely to go faster because the imprisoned girl’s message was first going to have to reach representatives of the Meleyephatian Horde with decision-making authority. Then it would have to be checked. The important Meleyephatians would probably want to have a chat with Leng Sooweesssh Eleven to ask his perspective. Then it would take some time to discuss and reach a decision. And although the Meleyephatians were likely not going to try and delay their answer, I had half an hour on my own at least, which I wanted to put to good use.

First of all, I conferred with Gerd Ayni, who had a good understanding of station services, and I sent a message to the local dispatchers: the Tolili-Ukh X frigate in hangar 1-108 is a financial security for a large deal with the artifact Trader Ayzzz One Hundred Seventeen, so I request that the starship be forbidden from leaving the station for the next quarter ummi.

It’s good to be a prominent player! The dispatchers didn’t ask any personal questions, and my request was carried out. I was merely asked to pay a five-hundred-crypto fee for something or other and say when the ban could be lifted. Excellent! Now the Meleyephatian Spy couldn’t flee the station for the next hour and a half. But I was in no rush to tell the station owners that I had discovered an enemy Spy quite yet, justly fearing that the Miyelonian special forces would immediately step in and all the false artifact trader’s property would be confiscated.

A flying courier robot appeared – it was the Relict nuclear batteries I ordered. Excellent! And right away, not putting off the important task, I got to sending the Relict hierarch’s long-prepared message to the Pyramid. I opened the game menu to a decision that had been waiting quite a while:

Listener, a data packet has been compiled for transmission to the Pyramid. Send data? (Yes/No)

Of course “Yes!” In response, I received some painfully familiar messages. It was still impossible to contact the Pyramid:

Yes, it was all absolutely the same as the last time I tried. I would have to wait for the next message. Luckily, it didn’t keep me waiting.

Listener, in case of military action, all public communication channels would be blocked. Thus the algorithms have determined that the most probable reason the Pyramid cannot be reached is WAR! Given the extraordinary situation, we suggest using an emergency channel to contact the Pyramid. (Yes/No)

I chose “Yes” again, and again the screen went dark: the nuclear battery’s was totally drained and all the electronic guts of my Listener Energy Armor ceased to function. But this time I didn’t panic. I knew perfectly well what to do and quickly changed that battery for a new one. But... for some reason, the armor suit’s electronics didn’t come back online! I just saw a few scant lines of system commands and error messages. I changed that battery for another one, but again it was no use.

How the stress of that moment didn’t turn me gray, I do not know. I was terribly worried. After all, what would I do if my unique ancient armor had stopped functioning for good?! That meant I’d lose contact with the second Small Relict Guard Drone forever, and all functionality associated with the Pyramid, which was to say nothing about my simple lack of any other armor.

I manually restarted the system and entered the boot menu. I spent a long time reading the scant lines about different levels and incomprehensible abbreviations. Whereas before I didn’t waste a ton of time figuring out the data storage structure of the Relict computer system, now I didn’t have any other choice. And although it took me a while, I eventually got down to the armor suit’s file system! There, after a long time plunking through known system commands, I got the system rights I was after, went one level higher and discovered an option that could possibly help: “Run system check for compatibility with all peripherals.”

I ran the check and it immediately became clear that the nuclear batteries I’d just bought were different from the kind I was using before: different power output, different characteristics, different production run. The ancient armor suit called the new batteries “hopelessly antiquated,” but was nevertheless able to reconfigure itself to use them. And it all worked!!!

Woo hoo!!! I was very proud of myself. In fact, it went beyond that! I had just figured out the inner workings of an ancient artifact all on my own and fixed it!!! Very few people in the modern world would be capable of such a thing. Ten free skill points... I suppose I’ve been saving them up long enough. Now was the time to start spending them intelligently. Five points right into Danger Sense. Let’s bring up that skill to 76. It is absolutely vital to my survival. And five points into Medium Armor – severely lagging compared to my other skills. And meanwhile, to be able to use the Tachyon Bender I would need to hoist that skill all the way to 125. Okay, done!

Just then I heard a bell: the robot courier had just delivered me a metal box containing the Tachyon Bender – a level-two modification for the Listener Energy Armor. Excellent! And going off Boyko’s shouts of delight in the hallway, his +3 Strength ring came with it.

THE NEXT STEP IN MY preparations was talking with Gerd Mauu-La Mya-Ssa, so I invited the Miyelonian Medic to my room. And although Uline Tar was also there, I trusted my business partner completely and even invited the Geckho lady to also take part in our conversation. For starters I told my huge assistant that Denni Marko was planning to leave our team soon, and we would need to find a good Gunner to replace him. Then I got to the main topic:

“Here’s the thing,” I turned on my Prospector Scanner, unfolded the screen, opened the file and showed it to the Medic. “A detailed scanning map of Valeri’s body. I made this image on Earth without her knowledge and at a great distance so the electromagnetic pulse wouldn’t damage the implants in her body. Nevertheless, you can see everything perfectly on the three-dimensional diagram. Transmitters in her head and neck, implanted cameras and microphones, a microscopic bomb in one of the atrium of her heart, a bunch of other implants all over her body. Basically, Valeri-Urla is a puppet who is forced to carry out her masters’ commands and spy for them. Gerd Mauu-La, copy this diagram and study the file very closely. I expect you to draw up a plan for surgical operations to remove all this spy equipment from the human girl’s body such that nothing left inside Valeri can explode or inject her with poison. If need be, I could deactivate the implants temporarily, but they’ll eventually come back online because they are powered by the constant attacks of her white blood cells.”

The Miyelonian didn’t say a word and connected his palmtop to my Prospector Scanner, then copied all the data he needed for the job. And right away he immersed himself in studying the three-dimensional model. And based on the tailed Medic’s look, he saw this task as very, very difficult. Nevertheless, in around three minutes, Gerd Mauu-La Mya-Ssa came back to life and assured me that he saw a solution and was up to the task.

“Great! We can carry out the operation in space during a hyperspace jump. Then there will be no connection with the outside world, and our manipulations with Valeri’s body will go unnoticed by her prison-keepers.”

“But after the starship leaves hyperspace, the fact we removed all the implants from your ‘kentu on’ Valerrr’s body will be discovered regardless!” the Geckho Trader noted justly.

I smiled involuntarily and not only at “Valerrr.” The Geckho always adapted human names to their phonology, but the words “kentu on” meant “sweet girlfriend.” Based on the other context, my business partner was telling me plainly that she knew just how much I cared for Valeri-Urla. And I didn’t deny the obvious. Yes, I really did like the Tailaxian girl with the surprisingly huge eyes of a nocturnal creature. It started at our first encounter on the Medu-Ro IV pirate station. And that made freeing Valeri from captivity very important to me. Naturally, its importance wasn’t quite as high as saving my home planet, but I would have given a lot to rescue the cute little Tailaxian from her grim imprisonment!

“Yes, Uline. The surgical intervention is sure to be detected. That’s why we need to take insurance not only in the game, but also with Valeri’s real body. We need to get it out of that Tailaxian prison and bring it somewhere safe. Get in touch with local companies that offer real-body transfer services. Remember when you told me they had that service here on the Kasti-Utsh III station? You know, when you offered to have my body brought over from Earth?!”

The furry woman gave a groan to confirm. Yes, she remembered that conversation perfectly. I refused to abandon the Human-3 Faction, which many thought was doomed, to save my body and move it to a Miyelonian station.

“Then step to and find someone who can transfer Valeri’s physical body! It needs to be done quickly, because our conflict with Leng Sooweesssh Eleven might rub the Meleyephatian Horde the wrong way. Both the Gilvar Syndicate, and Tailax are vassals of the Horde, and we must safeguard our team against possible issues in the real world. The Meleyephatians shouldn’t have any problems with Denni Marko – he will already be outside my crew. But still I think offering to also transfer Denni’s body to a safe location would be the right thing to do. And another thing...” here I thought for a few moments before continuing. “Also find out whether they can provide virt pods to players without changing faction and how much that might cost.”

I wasn’t just asking about possibly using rented virt pods for no reason. My Relict Faction didn’t have any corncobs of its own, so my players had to use their previous virt pods, which essentially now belonged to a different faction. That seriously limited their freedom of movement and opened me up to possible espionage against my players. Furthermore, I was constantly keeping in mind that one day, if something I did bothered the wrong person, Ivan Lozovsky for example, we might be banned from accessing the Russian corncobs. That would really throw a monkey wrench into this whole operation. Now it was time to gain true freedom and take down the Sword of Damocles from above our necks!

A delicate knock came at the door, and the huge Shocktroop Gerd T’yu-Pan came into the room, his footsteps booming in his new exoskeleton armor. It was the very same kind the Geckho twins and Space Commando Eduard Boyko had. Apologizing for the intrusion, the leader of the boarding team turned to me in the language of the magocratic world:

“Coruler Gnat La-Fin, your wife Princess Minn-O La-Fin and Chief Advisor Mage-Ruler Mac-Peu Un-Roi request an audience with the ruler of the First Directory. They are already at the Geckho spaceport in the long-distance communication booth and are ready to start at any time.” I asked where to find the nearest space communication point here on the station and, as it turned out, it was just a hundred paces up the hallway.

After relaying the official message, the huge veteran suddenly got down on one knee (which looked like a real undertaking in such cumbersome armor!) and added something of his own:

“Milord, I’m sure your conversation will turn to the fate of the captured Paladin Tamara. Her crime is of course among the most severe a human can commit, but Gerd Tamara didn’t know the laws of our world at the time. I would like to request both personally and in the name of many La-Fin Faction troops who respect her valor and courage, to take into account this mitigating factor and commute her sentence from death by quartering to a fast painless method: firing squad or lethal injection.”