Now Taylor was truly intrigued. “Do tell.”
“Some of our people got involved with a Sumatozou gate master after the Science Guild wiped out a stargate control station.”
“They did what?”
“Oh, it gets better.” Sansar raised a finger. “Not only did they terminate the entire stargate crew, they also killed a Vergola who was onboard.”
Taylor’s gaze widened as the woman continued her tale.
“Coincidentally, the gate master’s brother happens to be a Peacemaker, which involved them, as well as some Sumatozou mercs, some other beings a little more local, and all the Horsemen. To make a long story short, we destroyed the Science Guild’s facility in Morgoth.” Sansar’s eye dropped to the ground. “Unfortunately, the guild master got away.”
“Did you at least see him to find out who it was?” Taylor asked. “The guild head, I mean.”
“It’s not a ‘him.’” Sansar looked up. “It’s an AI.”
Taylor was genuinely speechless.
“Yes, that’s what we thought, too,” Sansar admitted. “They’re illegal, right? Well, as it turns out, all the guild masters are probably AIs—or actually ‘Synthetic Intelligences,’ as they like to be called.”
“I didn’t know there was a difference,” Taylor said.
“A little,” Sansar said. “An AI is a program that merely simulates sentience, whereas a synthetic intelligence is a functioning intellect capable of learning and creating solutions to problems it wasn’t programmed for. SIs are similar in intellect to biological beings, although considerably more powerful.”
“And that’s what’s runnin’ the guilds?” Taylor asked.
Sansar nodded. “What’s worse is that at least one of them—the SI running the Science Guild—has decided Humans are bad for the long-term wellbeing of the galaxy.”
“That doesn’t sound good.” Taylor frowned.
“Trust me, it’s not,” Sansar said. “The SI has decided our species needs to be eliminated. Worse yet, it has the resources to do so. This brings me to the reason for my visit. We need Swamp Eagle Security to join our fight against the SIs.”
Taylor scratched his chin whiskers. “I’m flattered at the gesture, ma’am, but what could a company the size of ours possibly have to offer you against a threat like that?”
“It’s not as if you’d be working alone,” Sansar added. “We have other allies who would assist you.”
“Who exactly are we talkin’ about?”
“With respect, Chief Van Zant, I’m not prepared to reveal that information at this time. What I will say is the Sumatozou are definitely on our side, especially after what they witnessed in the Science Guild’s facility, and what the Science Guild did to the gate control station.”
Taylor chewed his lip. “I take it that’s when you met our mutual friend? In the aftermath of the assault?”
“That’s correct,” Sansar said. “When my crew returned to Earth following the conflict on Morgoth, the Peacemaker, Keromnal, introduced me to Japhara. It appears the destinies of Humans and Sumatozou are linked, as you were already out on a mission for them.”
Taylor grumbled under his breath, “It wasn’t really for them…”
“If you were performing a mission for someone as influential as a member of the Latura Corps, let’s just assume it was for the Sumatozou. Maybe not exactly, but your success will predispose a lot of Sumatozou favorably to you.”
“I don’t know if I’d go that far,” Taylor said.
“I would,” Sansar said. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t be standing here, providing you with the sort of intelligence most mercs I know would kill for.”
Taylor figured she had a point. “Fair enough.”
“With regard to Japhara,” Sansar said, “you should know that he speaks most highly of you. He called you, and I quote, ‘a noble man,’ and said you can be trusted. He also told me about what happened on Droxis.”
“Did he now?” Taylor frowned.
“He did,” Sansar agreed. “You stirred up quite the hornet’s nest there, my friend.” She paused. “Or, wasp’s nest, as it were. Akoya confirmed what we suspected, by the way…that the Merchant Guild was behind the diamond mine operation. I’d imagine they’re quite displeased with you right now.”
Taylor waved off the comment. “If what you say is true, I’m sure the Merchant Guild has way bigger fish to fry than me. Besides, Japhara would’ve told me if I was in some kind of imminent danger.”
“Maybe he would have…if he’d known.”
“Known what?”
Sansar took in a breath then let it out again. “We have intel that the Merchant Guild issued a death warrant for you and the entire Swamp Eagle Security roster.”
Taylor felt the color vanish from his cheeks. “Come again?”
“It’s true,” Sansar said. “The order was issued 10 days ago. That’s one of the reasons I came here when I did. Someone needed to warn you.”
Taylor turned aside and stared out into the rain, scrambling with everything in his addled mind to make sense of what was happening.
“I know this is a lot to take in,” Sansar said. “Nevertheless, you need to understand the grander picture of what’s happening around the galaxy. Much has happened in the last few years while you’ve been busy getting your company’s affairs in order.”
“Like what?” Taylor asked.
“The Morgoth assault, for starters,” Sansar said. “The bottom line is the Galactic Union as we know it is falling apart. Up until recently, the Mercenary Guild kept everyone in line. When their organization stood down in the wake of the Omega War, that influence went with them. And, as you Americans say, when the cat’s away, the mice will play.”
Taylor couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
“We stand on the precipice of a new era, Chief Van Zant,” Sansar said. “Each of the guilds see this as their chance to redress old arguments and grab as much power for themselves as possible. Yes, SIs argue. Yes, SIs fight for prominence and superiority. Don’t ask me why; I don’t know. Suffice it to say that I have this information on extremely good authority.”
Taylor turned back to
