“Where is the owner of this establishment?” shouted the general as he entered Attan’s accompanied by six of his soldiers. General L’oray Outha, commander of Siecom’s military forces, was a shrewd and capable man who had risen through the ranks to gain his current position and commanded the military longer than any of his predecessors, began his inquiry. “I’m right here,” replied Attan as he approached the general. “How can I be of service?” The general replied, “I’ am investigating reports of an incident that occurred three days ago outside of your bar. I would have been here sooner but I had more pressing matters to attend to.” “I’m not aware of anything happening sir.” “Really?” replied the general in a tone of disbelief. “I have received reports that a male sebecean was involved in an altercation and was shot. Interestingly enough, I checked all the local medical facilities and they have no records of anyone who was treated with that type of injury that night.” “General,” Attan replied, “Under the provisions of the license that was granted to me in order to open this establishment, I must report all violent incidents that occur inside and outside my bar to the proper authorities and I can assure you sir, that there have been none.” That was what the general needed to hear from Attan. As far as he was concerned the investigation was over. “Very well then, should you come across any information regarding this contact me immediately.” “Of course general,” replied Attan graciously. “Where is the magistrate’s brother?” asked the general. “At his usual table. I’ll have the waiter bring you your drink,” replied Attan looking over at where U’ave was sitting. “Good. I have business to attend to with him,” the general said as he walked over to where U’ave was seated, while two of his soldiers remained behind guarding the doorway.

“I take it all went well general,” U’ave replied looking at the general as he approached the table. “Of course,” smiled the general as he took a seat in front of U’ave. “Excellent. I will transfer the usual amount into your account by the end of the day.” “You are too kind U’ave. If your brother only knew what you were doing for him to keep him as magistrate of the house.” “My brother is blind as he is stupid. I do what I must to ensure the survival of the house. Just as you do to keep your position, other than to collect your money, why are you here?” “I am investigating an alleged “incident,”” replied the general. “And what did you discover during your investigation?” asked U’ave. “That I no longer wish to investigate it,” the general said taking a sip of his drink. U’ave laughed, “I’m going to need more men like yourself when the time comes.” “What do you mean?” U’ave continued, “Things change. How long do you think I can keep my brother in power? The magistrate of the weakest house in the system content to at being mocked by the houses, many people have grown weary of this and demand change.” “Do you wish to strip him of power?” asked the general curiously. “Power? What power. The things I have done to fend off threats to keep him where he is…he has no power, only what I give him.” “I see…”the general replied cautiously. U’ave sensed how uneasy the general was, “No need to worry general, I have to intentions of improving my position. I am perfectly content with what power I have and am satisfied with the people that I surround myself with that help me with my agenda. And you?” The general looked directly at U’ave, “Content is not the word that I would use. Ecstatic is more like it.” Both men let out a loud laugh that caught the attention of Attan. “Good,” replied U’ave.

The general quickly turned his attention to a different subject, “And Dekksin?” The pirates hired by the house and the command of the general had run into Traynor the last time that he was on Siecom. The ships opened fire on Traynor after his refusal to stop and identify the cargo he was carrying. Traynor had always adhered to the law in the past, but he had grown tired of the so-called inspections and had decided on his own to change the protocol. Traynor had managed to cripple one of the ships that fired upon him before landing on Siecom on the outskirts of the city without authorization from the control port, which had managed to track the ship briefly before loosing it and sent the last know coordinates to the general who in turn dispatched a security detail. When the detail arrived they fired on Traynor, standard procedure when an unauthorized landing has occurred. They engaged in a firefight and Dekksin killed one soldier while wounding two others. The bloodshed would have continued if it not had been for U’ave contacting the general over the comm. The general knew Traynor’s reputation as a bounty hunter and was aware of how closely he worked with U’ave. He was always concerned that Dekksin as head of the military would replace him, but nothing could be further than the truth. “Clam yourself general, he is here conducting business as usual.” “What he did the last time he was here was acceptable and he was warned of any future transgressions,” the general replied angrily. “Dekksin has proven to be useful and very profitable for me, the house and yourself. He is of no threat to you.” “But he should….” “I understand your need for retribution general,” U’ave interrupted, “that will come in time. But for now do as I ask and let him go about his business.” “I take it he is working for you?” asked the general. “No, not directly,” chuckled U’ave. “He has been hired by a retainer who has placed a very large bounty. Lets stop talking business and drink and enjoy the rest of the evening.” The general nodded his head in agreement. He sensed that U’ave was involved in something big. The general had learned along the cycles not to trust anyone, especially U’ave, seeing how he manipulated and betrayed friends and family in order to gain profit. L’oray did regard the magistrate as somewhat of a friend who had given him advice along the way as he moved up in rank. But he knew not to trust anyone. The general did not know where to place his loyalties, which would be based on whomever would make him wealthier. For now he would have to wait to see what would develop.

Chapter 5 | Chapter 7