Alice was at the controls and looked over the initial navigation data. “They're not very busy at this end. Strange.”
“The Hart News database says there is a trade embargo in place under the direction of one of the neighbouring systems,” Lewis replied. “Incoming transmission, I'll put it on a display.”
A blocky holographic head representing an artificial intelligence appeared at her right hand. “Welcome to Ara Enormis. Please state your purpose.”
The name of the largest base in the outer solar system always made her smile. It translated as 'large irregular rock' from Latin and if there was a better description she couldn't imagine what it was. It was also the oldest base in the system and had been hollowed out so much over the years that there wasn't much rock left.
The slowly turning base was difficult to measure, but there was enough room for six cities with millions of residents, thousands of private docking bays, two large ship construction yards, dozens of factories and harvesting stations. When the planets closer to the center of the solar system were ready for colonization tens of thousands of colonists would move from Ara Enormis and start a new life. After the first wave of colonists were finished preparing the planet for settlement hundreds of thousands would invariably follow.
She brought up the hologram of the massive base of operations and shook her head. They had brought in several smaller asteroids so they could be mined just a few kilometres away.
“I'm here to visit friends and refuel. I won't be around for more than a few days.”
“Are you certain? We are always willing to welcome young people to join the Euphoria Universal community.”
“I'm sure. Just passing through.”
“Do you require lodgings or docking facilities?”
“No thank you. Someone's going to take care of me. Transmitting identification and registration,” she selected which identity and ship registration she would use and sent the information.
“You're using your real name?” Lewis asked.
“Yup, I figure it's time for Alice Valent to make a reappearance. If Jonas decides to look for me he'll have a much easier time tracking me down.”
“So will Meunez. I see no reason why he would abandon his search.”
“Vindyne is gone, they're selling pieces off and their territory is in chaos. How would he continue?”
“His search for you seemed quite personal. If anything, I'd say he would be even more dedicated to finding you.”
“I don't think so. He'd at least be a little distracted for a while. It's too late anyway, I've already sent my ident in with reference to the alias I used here before.”
“I understand the urge for you to find the man who created you, and your frustration with using fake names but I am only suggesting that you keep things quiet. I couldn't stand seeing you come to harm,” Lewis said with concern.
“I know, but there's got to be a time to be out in the open.”
“Speaking of which, I just finished receiving the latest burst from Hart News. It seems you're not the only one coming out into the open.”
“Play it later, I should contact Wendy and her crew. Put me through to her company's comnet.”
“As you wish.”
Alice waited for a response to her transmission and a moment later a gruff looking older woman came up on her two dimensional display. “Mark and Catch Salvage Company. How can I help?”
“I'm looking for Wendy Lecteur. She used to run the Airless. ”
“She still does. They're out on a job.”
“Can you tell her Sasha is visiting and give her my comm number?”
“Sure, why not?” said the woman before cutting the transmission.
“Funny, I find there are far many more rude biological beings than there are artificial personalities, but there are more artificial intelligences in the Galaxy.” Lewis commented.
“That's because we want artificial intelligences to be worth talking to for the most part.”
“While most biological personalities aren't worth talking to.”
“I wouldn't say that.”
“Would you like me to initiate communications with Bruce Fillion?”
Alice thought for a long moment. “He's still listed here?”
“It says this is still his home port and he checked in a week ago.”
“Let's take a look at that Hart News burst you finished downloading.”
“So you don't want me to inform Bruce you're in the system?”
“No.”
“You haven't had extended contact with another human being in quite some time now. I think he'd be happy to see you.”
“I'm not so sure about that.”
“It's only that I've noticed your overall well being improves when you have had enjoyable human company for a time. I'm sure your sudden departure would be forgiven.”
“Drop it Lewis. Did anything about Jonas come up in Hart News?” Alice asked impatiently.
“It did, actually. He's done a recruitment advertisement for the Aucharian Government. He's the spokesperson for their Privateering initiative.”
“What?”
“Someone matching your description has been added to the Aucharians missing persons database as well. They only list you as Alice with no last name.”
“He's looking for me,” she said quietly. The relief that washed over her brought tears to her eyes.
“That's a reasonable assumption. Are you all right Alice?”
She wiped her tears away and laughed. “I'm more than all right. With the fuel we have can we make it to that transmissions point of origin?”
“We would run out approximately half way there. We don't have the funds to purchase enough Xetima either.”
“I can't wait to get a collector and an energy converter kit added onto the hull.”
“We couldn't afford that either.”
“I know. Well, we'll have to find some work here. I'm sure Wendy will have something for us. But first I need to see this recruitment video.”
Lewis brought the recruitment video up on the main cockpit display.
Alice watched it wide eyed. The man she had known was there but there was a depth of dedication that was completely new. When he said he intended to do harm she believed him and was convinced that whatever harm he intended would be huge. The holographic recording finished and she sighed. “I think privateering is about to become very popular.”
“The statistics provided state that over three hundred ships have signed on.”
“Three hundred?”
“Yes. The Aucharians are offering letters of marque and general pardons to everyone with an armed vessel. Several captured Vindyne and Triad Consortium ships are among the new joiners.”
“How big is the war over there now?”
“There are currently nine solar systems marked as combat zones and over forty three points within those systems flagged as long term engagement areas.”
“That's huge.”
“It's the largest example of combat since the third fall of man.”
“You're right, here's hoping we're not headed for another dark age.”
“With the collapse of several sectors, the failing infrastructure on uncountable worlds thanks to the void left by Vindyne and the Triad Consortium, the likelihood is that billions of beings will experience that kind of strife within the next few months.”
“Well, it figures that Jonas would find himself in the middle.” The communications panel beside her lit up.
“Captain Lecteur on the line for you,” Lewis reported.
