The Galactic Alliance, Volume 2: Seven

By Arlo Tratlonovich

It's March 3, 2166, when the Solvanian freighter TE-SORN disappears without a trace near the Nimir system. The vessel was transporting a load of Solva metal to Terra; a material playing an important role in a variety of modern industries. Only the distress signal, which has been sent automatically, indicates a case of abduction. But what precisely happened to the freighter? When it turns out, that greater amounts of Solva metal were delivered in recent years to the trading planet Seven, the trace leads to the Ceres star cluster.

A reconnaissance mission brings the agents of the Department C to the trading planet, where they are promptly caught up in the intrigue on Seven ...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Arlo Tratlonovich
• Release date: Apr 2, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311822253

Arlo Tratlonovich

Arlo Tratlonovich is primarily a technology investment consultant. Moreover, he is one of the most notorious readers of "Perry Rhodan". Contact: [e-mail]

Book preview

Part 1

Prolog

In the year 2166, most nations of the known galaxy have joined in the Galactic Alliance. Even in the underground, the 'usual suspects' stay remarkably peaceful. Sargon, the supreme commander of the newly established 'Galactic Security Agency' (GSA), seems to have time to take care of organizational issues. But then the situation changes unexpectedly.

It's March 3, 2166, when the Solvanian freighter TE-SORN disappears without a trace near the Nimir system. The vessel was transporting a load of Solva metal to Terra; a material playing an important role in a variety of modern industries. Only the distress signal, which has been sent automatically, indicates a case of abduction. But what precisely happened to the freighter? This question needs to be answered, before the situation within the Galactic Alliance gets out of hand.

Initial investigations cause Sargon to interpret the events as a case for the GSA. It is, he argues, an attack on the entire Galactic Alliance. He transfers the case to the Department C, which is located on Terra, headed by Brigadier General Rodney Lancer, and supports Lancer with Basnal-Keton, a highly regarded Dagan scientist, despite her youth. She is working free-lanced as a GSA Special Agent. For her, in his opinion, the case is tailor-nigh.

Basnal, the Stagh biologist Ilma Randall and the experts for strategic computer simulations, headed by Martin Nolan, bring first light into the darkness. In their investigation, which they carry out as a task force created especially for this case, they come to the conclusion that it is the attack of an unknown non-humanoid power of unknown origin, whose mentality must be entirely different from that of the galactic peoples.

The attack which, as it turns out, was carried out by crystal controlled androids, shows that the unknowns do have a technological advantage in some special areas, such as in the processing the Hyper crystal Y-fluorite and android technology. The substance of the android cells contains four strands of DNA, of which only two relate to known galactic peoples - the Terrans and the Sagardians. The artificial core of the androids consists of an unknown material which seems to be related to Solva metal. When Sargon finds out that large amounts of Solva metal were delivered in recent years to the planet Seven, he found a trace, leading to the Ceres star cluster.

As a consequence, large-scale reconnaissance missions in the Ceres star cluster are initiated. One of these missions has as its destination the trading planet Seven, where the agents of the Department C are promptly entangled in the local intrigues.

1. Botruk

March 12, 2166, 21:00 Central Time Reno (CRT)

SKY Restaurant, Reno City. Reno, Reno system.

A fascinating sight! Nicolas Treyvaud murmured in view of the enlightened spaceport of Reno City, behind which the skyline of the city grew up. The SKY Restaurant, located on the 27th floor of the STARGATE hotel, offered in fact a look at the panorama of both the spaceport and the city. Treyvaud saw dozens of freighters, each differently built. All what they had in common was that around their load locks was hectic activity. Reno City was a city that never slept, thought Nicolas, remembering an old swing classic.

Only yesterday he had been meeting Brigadier General Rodney Lancer, the current director of Department C, who had given him and his colleague Pierre Severin their mission briefing. Severin and he would act in the role of Reno colonists, joining the branch manager of the KABAMO in Reno, Prokat, aboard the BOTRU VII. Prokat was in fact a real colonist.

The BOTRU VII was a 400m long torpedo-shaped ship, owned by the Botruk clan. Her captain, the said Botruk, was incidentally an old business friend of Rolf Katman, an important person in the galactic economy. Their goal was the planet Seven in the Ceres cluster, where they were to purchase high quality Y-fluorite. The task Botruks would be to act as a trader interested in this hyper crystal, entering negotiations with the providers. Prokat in turn was rightly to act as representative of the actual buyer, who understandably wanted to check the quality of the raw material offered. His friends used the opportunity to look around Seven for interesting business opportunities.

At least, this was the official version.

The unofficial version was a bit less straight-forward. Her background was the connection between the quality Y-fluorite, which had been 'enriched' by a previously unknown hyper physical process, and the aliens who were responsible for the attack on the Solvanian freighter TE SORN on the 3rd of March. It had been found that the technology of the strangers based to a considerable extent on that enriched Y-fluorite, which the dealers on Seven suddenly had on offer. They also knew that the aliens were operating in the Ceres star cluster, in particular on the planet Exeter. It would be the task of Severin and Treyvaud to follow the trace on Seven.

Reno, the free trade world nearly 13,000 light years away from Earth, had turned out to bean ideal starting point for the mission. The habitable, Earth-like world was the new logistics hub of the Galactic Alliance. Of the eight continents served only as the largest settlement area. The remaining seven land masses were largely unspoilt.

The building density of the developed continent was, as Treyvaud and Severin could determine, enormous. About 400 million people and again up to 200 million visitors cavorted in this sprawling city, which occupied the entire continent, with the exception of some greenery and various spaceports. The administration of Reno City played only a secondary role. Immigration and customs restrictions did not exist. The enforcement of laws was, due to lack of police presence, at best tenuous.

Treyvaud grinned as he thought of Lancers rationale for the selection of the two agents. You simply look like Reno colonists, he had explained. We don't have to do anything.

Treyvaud was tall, had thick dark blond hair, a thin face and a dark beard. He would be accepted on each and every planet easily as Reno Colonist. Like Severin, who was medium in size, having short, but thick dark hair. Severin had an aggressive-looking face and a dark beard. At times, the two were considered as brothers, although they had little in common except their origin, Normandy. Apart from the fact that both worked for the Department C, they had made a name as an ideal team. 'The thinker and the daredevil,' thought Nicolas, 'wrong like any cliché.'

Yonder is the BOTRU VII, recognized Severin, pointing with his hand at a landing site that was a little off, but still in their view.

The BOTRU was, like the other freighters, loaded. 'Botruk can not miss an opportunity for a small side business!' thought Nicolas.

This habit, however, he shared with virtually any merchant captain, so that Nicolas could not blame him. He decided to speak tomorrow at embarkation with Botruk about this subject.

In the afternoon, shortly after their arrival, they had met with Prokat, the man of KABAMO. The Reno settler with his stocky stature, his short, dark hair and his dark beard would actually pass as a fellow of both on what planet whatsoever. Of course he knew of her false identity. Treyvaud and Severin had gained the impression that they were on good terms with Prokat. Little wonder, thought Treyvaud, since they all were moving in the same direction.

Shall we order anything more? Pierre interrupted Treyvauds thoughts.

After the meeting with Prokat they had used the opportunity to visit the SKY Restaurant. After all, it would be the last opportunity to have a familiar Terran meal before leaving to Seven. Now the dessert and even the cheese had been eaten.

Café au lait, perhaps? asked Nicolas. All right, nodded Pierre, and perhaps two Terry!

The Stagh pear brandy, which was based on a galaxy-wide distributed red pear variety called Red Stagh, had its fame acquired a few years ago due to its renaming.

First, the research of a Stagh historian had revealed that the previously common name for the drink, 'Stinking Priest', was originally an ancient curse word for the Dagan, as a consequence of political hostilities between the Stagh and the Dagan, which ultimately had led to the emigration of the Dagan to Pavona.

The Dagan had subsequently appealed against this designation at the Galactic Court, which had followed their line of reasoning. The Stagh renamed the drink henceforth as 'Terry'. In fact, however, some Terran circles suspected a perfidious action of the Stagh with the sole aim to denounce the Terran Minister of Justice, Terry Primrose, in order to produce an association between him and a 'stinking priest'.

Rise to this presumption was provided by the fact that the one judge who had condemned the Stagh, among other things, to a high fine for violating the prohibition of discrimination within the alliance, had been a Terra-born lawyer who owed its guidelines to Primrose.

Anyway, the stuff was not bad.

March 13, 2166, 09:00 CRT

On board of the BOTRU VII, Reno City. Reno, Reno system.

Nicolas and Pierre approached the security control at the spaceport in their vehicles. Nicolas drove a Citydream in olive metallic. Behind him followed Pierre in a Roamin Buffalo, which was held, for a change, in olive green metallic. The equipment had recommended this color combinations with a look at the conditions on Seven.

The Buffalo housed, apart from Pierre's luggage, the components of a portable transmitter, which the agent would install at a safe place on Seven. Added to this was their standard equipment, including the regular armament. The security check was not bothered by such trifles as long as it was ensured that the weapons actually went on board of one of the ships and were not dumped as waste at the spaceport.

Accordingly, both vehicles were waved through after a few minutes without any problems. Their local identity chips had proved to work. From now on, Nicolas would have to listen to the name Manket and Pierre to the name Lysbot.

Both vehicles now followed the automatic signals they piloted them to the vicinity of the loading zone of the BOTRU VII.

A tall trader in the clothing being typical of a trader patriarch awaited them.

Hey! Hey! he roared with laughter. That must be the friends of our Prokat!

Botruk apparently did not excessively value fashion as it was currently in vogue among other traders. He renounced beard styling and any jewels. His outfit consisted of sturdy leather. Only the symbols of the clan identified him as a patriarch. The reddish colored hair, beginning to color gray in places, was cut quite short in comparison to other traders.

We certainly have the honor of meeting Patriarch Botruk! Nicolas replied politely.

Botruk laughed again. Already learned from Prokat that you are polite people. Can indeed not harm for a change, no matter. Behind the ramp is the way leading directly to the cargo space for the vehicles. He pointed to a loading dock about 15 meters away.

Oh, what the heck, I just come over! He gave another dealer a hint, probably one of his sons. Both disappeared in the depths of the merchant ship. The BOTRU VII, Nicolas noticed, made a clean and modern impression. He had seen other ships of this type, of which one could not say this.

Pierre was already driving up the ramp up. Nicolas followed him in his Citydream. Both took their cabin luggage and got out of their vehicles, which would remain inaccessible to third parties due to the Protection Systems.

This is Petrok, said Botruk, pointing to the second dealer. Petrok is my oldest son. He will assist me in the negotiations on Seven. You are Prokats assistants in the quality control of the Y-fluorite, as I am told.

Manket, Nicolas introduced himself and nodded to the two dealers. Lysbot, Pierre followed his example.

Yes, continued Nicolas, we will support Prokat. However, we will probably in between take the opportunity to look around for more business opportunities on Seven.

Botruk laughed. Who would not? He had a conspiratorial look on his face. In confidence, I do it of course as well. Why should we fly empty to Seven when we might as well leave with full cargo holds to Ceres?

He pointed to the pallets piled up in the cargo area of the BOTRU VII. Styrian pumpkin seed oil! Came yesterday with a cargo from Terra, the annual production of an oil mill, which I ordered completely. It is an oil with intense nutty flavor. All pharmacologically valuable ingredients of the cores are contained in the oil.

He laughed again. Recommended by my friend, Katman. When I got to know the thing about the side effects and uses in pharmacology, I had an idea. We will relabel all the stuff here on board. The possibilities we have, and the time too.

He made a sweeping gesture. You see in front of you the best natural aphrodisiac of the galaxy, from planet Styria! But shut up about it on Seven!

'Manket' and 'Lysbot' grinned. We are not stupid! said Nicolas.

I see, we'll get along splendidly! Botruk grinned. We have also purchased a number of other products from the South Styrian wine country. Thus, the holds are full. Mainly wine, of course. Must also be relabeled. He rubbed his hands. So, my people will not spend their time idly during the flight. And then, on Seven, comes the time for the 'Styrische Rammelsberg Bock'!

March 13, 2166, 11:00 am Central Seven Time (CST)

On board of the BOTRU VII, Seven, Sevenor system.

Phew, finally! groaned Nicolas, after the fourth and final transition which had led the BOTRU VII finally into the Sevenor system. His hopes to reach Seven in shorter time had not been fulfilled. After discovering that the BOTRU VII was in contrast to most trader ships equipped with the new K & B Transition drive, he still had been in good spirits.

He had forgotten that the members of the Botruk clan would be predominantly employed during the flight with other things, such as designing brochures for the 'Styrischen Rammelsberg Bock', re-labeling bottles, to detail the fake history of styrian viticulture and similar illustrious activities. Botruks argument that it was necessary to recharge the field generators did not hold. Nicolas knew the capabilities of the K & B generators.

So their flight had cost 12 grueling hours. At least there was an advantage of the time shift on Seven. The BOTRU VII would land at 11:15 Central Seven Time. The day was not lost.

Nicolas and Pierre, who stayed in one of the lounges, glanced at the screen that was giving them first impressions of Seven.

The planet had a climate that would have been referred to as Mediterranean on Terra. The capital Perona was on the north shore of an inland sea and concentrated the majority of the population in a spacious area. An accurate indication of the population could not be found. The Sevenians would have perceived such surveys as an intrusion into their privacy. Remained as the best estimate something in the order of several million. In addition to traders lived on the planet Sagardians of all kinds and small groups of non-sagardian peoples. Another group were the Muryz, Humanoids from the Ceres-sector, who stayed away from the city.

In the north-west of the city, the terrain initially rose gently to rise after a few hundred miles to Parantho Mountains.

The spaceport was located about 50 km west of the city. For lack of suitable terrain the Sevenians had a part of the inland sea artificially piled up and connected it with a small strip of land.

The city of Perona was legendary, even among traders, as Botruk had indicated without going into details.

The BOTRU VII initiated the landing procedure.

During the flight, Nicolas and Pierre had been provided by Botruk with the local currency, the credits. The currency was covered by goods. More specifically, a billion credits were the equivalent of a brand new 400m trader ship. 1 credit accordingly had a relatively high value that corresponded approximately to the value of a Terran dollar. 100 chips in turn corresponded to one credit. Nicolas and Pierre had allowed themselves to equip any with 5,000 credits. The amount was covered by KABAMO and thus indirectly by K & B.

The agents had furthermore determined that it would be possible to use their MOHYs on Seven. This went in the area of Ceres by no means without saying. The Task Force on Exeter would have to deal with this problem, thought Nicolas. For the dealers, however, to perform their commercial activities, access to the GalNet was vital. It was enabled by two relay stations, each of which was operated by one of the leading clans.

Navigation in Perona would not be supported, however. Inner-city map systems were of course also regarded as an intrusion into privacy; a circumstance which caused Nicolas exclaim: They are crazy, those Sevenians!.

In the meantime, the BOTRU VII had gently landed on the spaceport. Nicolas and Pierre had left the lounge and walked towards headquarters when they met Botruk.

Well, men, he asked, any plans?

Hmm, yes! said Nicolas. As we have here on board nothing to do, we thought about having a little trip to Perona.

Botruk laughed. Of course. As you are for the first time here. Well then, have fun!

All three men turned towards the holds. While Botruk supervised the unloading of some goods having previously ordered by his Sevenian business partners, Nicolas and Pierre boarded the yellow Citydream, left the ramp and began their arduous journey.

March 13, 2166, 11:30 CST

On board of the BOTRU VII, Seven, Sevenor system.

Basically, boomed Botruk, we could do all business also from here!

The dealer had monitored the unloading of the ordered goods until the process was completed to his satisfaction, including the transfer of the agreed amount of 200,000 credits to his account at the bank on Forni. Now Prokat, Petrok and Botruk sat in the lounge and were consuming some South Styrian specialties, such as bread, a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, Selchwürstl and cheese bites, while they were planning the next steps. With an expert eye Botruk had some of the goods reserved for himself and his sons.

It makes sense, but we won't do that! he continued, as he devoted himself the cheese bites. It's always good during such transactions to breathe some air. Catch moods, find out with whom you are dealing with. We are talking here not only about three boxes of cheese. Therefore, we should, if we're done here, follow the colleagues and drive to Perona. To the commodity exchange, specifically. It interests me after all whether the topic of Y-fluorite is an issue or not. And if it is an issue, I want to know what is said about it. I am also interested in the processes there. After all the details again and again are differing!

Prokat nodded. If all works out, we also will get a first impression of the major players on the market here. I can not imagine unimportant mini-clans dealing with the subject. Here are the big ones involved.

Then we agree! replied Botruk satisfied. Petrok was, as usual, not asked for his opinion.

Let's finish the meal, then we look for a cozy hovercar and pay a visit to the commodity exchange!

March 13, 2166, 11:40 CST

Perona, Seven, Sevenor system.

Oh la la! Pierre uttered in view of Peronas emerging architecture in its details.

They had managed the maze of road signs at the spaceport and were led to the motorway towards Perona. The view of the inland sea would have alone justified the ride, if justification had been necessary.

Now, however, the conduction band and the signs helped no further. In front of them the paths branched to at least three, often four, and sometimes five levels. A change from one to another level was impossible if one was not in the mood to risk his life. Signal support was minimal, signs incomprehensible. We should try somehow to get to the lowest level! suggested Nicolas.

That was easier said than done. Amidst the clutter buildings and other architectural features in any form were rising. The city gave the impression that anybody who felt like it could put a building of his choice on a blank space wherever, and got through with it. According to Botruks stories, this assessment came unquestionably close to reality.

Pierre ultimately decided to use the next option to change to a lower level. This is now level three, he said. Two times more and we are at the lowest level!

Nicolas nodded without comment.

The harbor area became visible. Tourist excursion boats, passenger ferries to the regions of the Muryz and cargo vessels operating, bound for other regions, cavorted in any order.

Pierre went another level down. All levels were bursting with traffic.

Ah, finally! he exclaimed. A short time later, they were on the lowest level.

Surprisingly, they were able to park the Citydream few hundred meters later. This costs one credit per hour. Seems to be an expensive trip! said Pierre, who was still happy to get away from the chaos of traffic. He threw a coin into a waiting machine.

Where to? he asked Nicolas. Let's go back a bit. I have discovered the rear of the passenger terminal. Should be a good place for information and food!, Nicolas replied.

The road to the passenger terminal was lined with small stalls where traders used their last chance to take the last credits from the pockets of Foreign tourists driving home, and the first credits from the tourists arriving. However, they were of no interest for Pierre and Nicolas.

Interestingly was instead the view of the different boats that were docked to the left of them in the harbor. A medium-sized passenger boat indicated that they were approaching the terminal. Passing a simple restaurant, which had the advantage of outdoor tables, a path led to a side entrance of the terminal.

After entering the building, Nicolas found that they were in the vicinity of the check-ins. In the great hall countless passengers lined up. Nicolas nodded to Pierre. They turned away from the hustle and took a course that led them to a circular shopping alley that ran through the terminal. Check for something that looks like an information booth! Nicolas told Pierre.

The information desk had its location at the end of the first semicircle, at the main entrance of the terminal. Here too crowded dozens of humanoids, so that a consultation would not necessarily be the sensible option. Nicolas told Pierre to wait and disappeared in the crowd. After three minutes he came back with some brochures in his hand.

And now? asked Pierre. Now let's look at the second semicircle. Then we stop at the restaurant and study the brochures. I've seen enough!

2. The Commodity Exchange

March 13, 2166, 12:05 CST

Perona, Seven, Sevenor system.

Petrok knew, as Prokat found out with relief, evidently how to drive in Perona. The confusing architecture of multi-level highways didn't bother him any more than the absence of any meaningful information systems. He unerringly steered the hovercar to the center.

The commodity exchange was, as part of Sevens general stock exchange, located at the oldest square in the city: the market place. The dome-shaped ancient building seemed to have created at a time, when the envoys of various merchant clans had conducted their business in this area. Meanwhile, the place was a magnet for tourists from other parts of Seven. Vehicles were banned here, so Petrok was forced to leave their hovercar some distance away in a parking garage. Prokat tried to intake as much as possible of the atmosphere of the city, while following Botruk to the stock market.

Heart of the market place was a lovely designed water fountain around which the tourists thronged. Otherwise, the place impressed by its generosity and the ancient architecture of the buildings shaping it. Apparently this place was designed according to the usual maxim on Perona. Everybody could break off and re-build what, when and how he liked it, with no exceptions.

Botruk had in the meantime reached the entrance of the stock exchange; a massive crafted gate, which he opened only with some difficulty. Petrok and Prokat hastened to pass through the open gate.

They had reached the first floor of the commodity exchange by means of large ancient stairs, as lifts or similar modern things had been deliberately omitted.

The commodity exchange turned out to be a huge high hall, which ultimately had to pay tribute to the modern era. While in earlier times trading specialists of the clans had been screaming and cursing in this room, to take advantage of recent developments, was now silence. On the right side large Holos were dominating the scenery, representing graphically the price movements of the main raw materials. In the middle of the room, terminals were available for those traders who wanted to do their business locally. On the left side eventually numerous booths, seating and counters offered dealers present the opportunity to talk business while consuming stimulating drinks and light meals, share insider tips or just to have a chat. It were these facilities, which apparently attracted Botruk.

Botruks approach was not without ulterior motives. He hoped to reunite with one or another old friend here. His wish was quickly granted. Botruk! was heard from the direction of the third booth, where alcoholic beverages were served. What are you doing here, old chap?

Hemgans! replied Botruk. I knew such an old drunkard as you would only roam near the alcohol stand!

Both were greeting each other emotionally.

Long time no see! laughed Hemgans. When it was last time?

Must have been the days when I delivered this zinc! replied Botruk. Although the business back then did not bring very much!

Not my fault! protested Hemgans. And what brings you here today?

Well, different things! Botruk got serious. For one, I've got a customer for high-quality Y-fluorite. So I start looking for it.

You are, as always, well informed! said Hemgans, grinning. Right, Y-fluorite is traded here in two different qualities. Class B is the usual Y-fluorite, as you can get it everywhere. Grade A in contrast is higher quality Y-fluorite.

And the prices? asked Botruk asked.

Look at the Holo on the left! Hemgans answered. The ton Y-fluorite of grade A will cost you at present 7,304 credits. Price increased intraday by 6.27% , as the bank apparently wants to expand their own portfolio by Y-fluorite.

Botruk silently was cursing the Relabeling action that apparently had cost him a lot of money.

The pound Y-fluorite-B You get for 331 chips! continued Hemgans. Intraday prices have increased by 6.43%. Again, the bank has struck. Generally, there is little movement in the market. Prices even dropped significantly in the last 12 months, annual high was at least 8,218 credits for Y-fluorite-A. More than an 11 percent drop! In Y-fluorite-B it looks similarly!

Botruk was relieved.

But why Y-fluorite-B is listed in pounds? he asked.

The demand for low-quality Y-fluorite is just low! said Hemgans. Why not, if high-quality Y-fluorite is just 10% more expensive? In addition, much larger amounts of Y-fluorite-A seem to be available, as of Y-fluorite-B. Why this is so, you should not ask me. Because I'm not a Y-fluorite expert!

He grinned. If you want to buy, however, Y-fluorite-A on a large scale, the price will explode in the next few days. How much should it be?

All that is left, Botruk explained quietly. My client has placed no limits!

Hemgans whistled. That can be a big business, if you do it right! You'll need my help, otherwise it is just a big business for the seller. We should discuss this, however, in the office. It is only one floor upstairs.

I see this will last longer! groaned Botruk and gave Petrok a hint, who promptly left the room.

What was that now? asked Hemgans curiously.

This was the second transaction, for which I'm here. I sent Petrok to a network marketing agency, which is precisely opposite of this building. The Promo business he can handle alone.

Hemgans was not yet satisfied. Promo, for what? he asked.

For the strongest aphrodisiac in the galaxy! whispered Botruk. The 'Styrian Rammelsberg Bock'!

March 13, 2166, 12:10 CST

Perona, Seven, Sevenor system.

The first thing is we should find a base from where we operate! suggested Nicolas. "The spaceport is not an ideal starting