Tradecraft: Theft

By Robert Collins

Central Station is a gathering place for the artists, merchants, and politicians of the Galactic League. Aliens come from all over the galaxy to exchange ideas and resolve disputes.

On the minds of all at Central Station are attacks on merchant starships by raiders, who steal cargo and rob passengers. One such attack on the ship of human Paolo Chelini has made off with technology from the advanced Alphans. The incident starts an investigation that shakes governments and societies.

Paolo Chelini thought he was just another starship operator. He and his ship Tradecraft are about to become more famous, more influential, and more pursued...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Robert Collins
• Release date: Jun 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463030400

Robert Collins

Two people with different cultural backgrounds and ethnicities met at a European and Balkan music and dance ensemble named Koroyar and their lives became intertwined, combining their gifts to continue exploring life as an avenue of creative expression. Robert Collins has a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, and has been an educator in the Los Angeles area for thirty years. He studied writing with Joan Oppenheimer in San Diego, with Cork Millner privately, and also in the Santa Barbara Writer's Conferences. Elizabeth Herrera Sabido, at the age of sixteen years, began working as a secretary at the Secretaria de Industria y Comercio in Mexico City where she was born, then she was an educator for twenty-six years, and a teacher of international dance for The Los Angeles Unified School District. She has also studied Traditional Chinese Medicine, and is a Reiki Master Teacher. Attracted by the Unknown, the Forces of the Universe, and the human psyche, during their lives they have studied several different philosophies. Elizabeth has been involved with various religions, Asian studies, and Gnosticism with SamaelAun Weor, and Robert has explored spiritual healing practices in Mexico, and studied with Carlos Castaneda's Cleargreen and Tensegrity. Elizabeth and Robert start their day at four-thirty in the morning. They enjoy playing volleyball and tennis, and in the afternoons play music, alternating between seven different instruments each. Their philosophy of Personal Evolution has led them to explore over 110 countries between the two of them such as Japan, Nepal, Egypt, Bosnia- Herzegovina, the Philippines, Turkey,Russia, etc.

Book preview

TRADECRAFT:

THEFT

by

Robert Collins

Ebook Edition

Copyright © 2019 by Robert Collins

License Notes, eBook edition

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

The prologue, End Run, first appeared in Tales of the Talisman, Volume 8, Issue 1, in 2012.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prologue - End Run

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A WORD FROM THE AUTHOR

About the Author

PROLOGUE

END RUN

Paolo Chelini walked into the office of Admiral Garth Larsen feeling nervous. He could think of no good reason why one of the top officers in the Human Alliance Fleet would want to speak to a merchant captain. He could come up with a few bad reasons. He was surprised with the Admiral offered his right hand to him.

Glad that you could come, Captain Chelini, Larsen said.

Chelini shook his hand. I didn’t think it was safe not so.

Please, Mister Chelini, sit down.

Thank you.

I’d like to talk to you about a very important matter. You’ve gained a great deal of experience dealing with aliens, Mister Chelini.

He nodded. I suppose that’s true.

You’re more experienced than most of the ranking officers in the Fleet. You’re also far from being an old man. Because of that, I’d like your opinion on something. The Admiral leaned forward in his chair. This matter is of the utmost secrecy. Do you understand?

Of course.

Good. The Admiral turned and waved at his office wall screen. A map of known space appeared on the screen. He turned back to Chelini. What do you know of the Alphans, Mister Chelini?

They’re supposed to be the oldest race in known space. Other races have tried to contact them. The Elsora sent a military expedition several decades ago. Only one ship returned. The other races who have tried have been told to turn back. No one has seen what they look like. Their ships appear large, and I gather shaped like spheres. More than that is just rumor, including their real name.

Such as the rumor that they gave the various races the jump drive at around the same time? That rumor doesn’t match the experience others claim to have had.

Which is why I think it’s a rumor. On the other hand, only the Elsora say they had a violent encounter with these Alphans. I think we know their reputation enough to be skeptical of anything they say.

Indeed. Mister Chelini, for some time we’ve been debating sending a delegation to the edge of Alphan space to initiate contact with them.

Chelini touched his chest with his right forefinger. And you’d like me to fly them out there?

Oh, no. We’re recommending to the Prime Minister that we send a small flotilla of ships out there. A cruiser, a frigate, a few destroyers, and a science ship.

That’s an awful lot of firepower, Admiral.

You think it’s too much?

Chelini blinked. The Admiral seemed genuinely surprised at his comment. Yes, Admiral, I do. I think if we want to initiate contact, we should send one ship.

One ship?

Yes, sir, one ship. A science ship. My ship, with one of your top officers, a politician or diplomat, and a small team of scientists. My ship only has defensive weapons, so there’s no way the Alphans could view it as a threat.

If they’re advanced as everyone says, we could send the whole Fleet and it wouldn’t be a threat.

Well, no, but that’s not the point. The point is that you don’t appear to be a threat.

Mister Chelini, this flotilla won’t be going on a single mission. It’s going to make some goodwill stops among our allies before heading out.

Chelini shook his head. I don’t think that’s smart, Admiral. He pointed to the map on the wall. Send one ship out there. Knock on the door and see what answer you get. If they say they’re not interested in making contact, nothing lost.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained, Mister Chelini. You know that.

Admiral, I’ve given you my opinion.

May I ask why you don’t think sending a flotilla is a good idea?

Aside from the fact that it’s a force of warships?

Yes.

That such a force means a high-profile mission. If it fails, we’ll be laughed at.

I doubt that. And, anyway, what if we are? One minor failure won’t diminish our standing in this region of the galaxy. In fact, we’re in the best position of any of the races to undertake such a mission. Only the Earth Alliance could secure the permission of the races needed to get to the Alphan border.

If this mission should fail, do you think you’d get a second chance?

This mission won’t fail, Mister Chelini. I’m confident that if we make the overture, we’ll be able to make contact. Now, do you have any suggestions for how we make this mission succeed?

Fine. If you’re determined to go through with it, make certain the leader is someone that the other races like and respect. It’ll do you no good to send some veteran pirate fighter if he can’t say the right things.

Fair enough.

Chelini sighed. Signal your intentions the minute your ships arrive on the border. In all languages. Have you asked the ambassadors of the other races about this mission?

Certainly. They’ve all expressed support.

Have they volunteered to send their own representatives?

No. We didn’t think to ask.

You should have asked. Depending on when the ships leave, it’s not too late to ask.

Representatives mean more ships, Mister Chelini. I will pass along your suggestion to ask the other races to send delegates.

Thank you.

Anything else?

Chelini sighed again. I can’t think of anything else, Admiral.

Very well. Mister Chelini, I appreciate your candor in this matter. We’re to have another meeting on this mission this afternoon. I’ll pass along all your suggestions, and your comments.

Thank you.

Obviously, don’t discuss this mission with anyone else.

Chelini smiled. Naturally. I’ll be as silent as the grave.

***

That afternoon Chelini sat down on a lonely bench in a park in New York City. He waited a minute for a companion to join him. He was not disappointed; Deputy Ambassador Verloth was right on time.

Pleased that you could come on short notice, Chelini said.

Your message said it was urgent, the diplomat answered through his vocal translator. Considering what you’ve done for my people, I accepted the request gladly.

Verloth’s people were the Hydirans. They were a reptilian race. They all had skin colored in varying shades of dark brown. Verloth had gray eyes; others had black or brown eyes. Like all the other known races, they were bipedal, and had arms and legs. The Hydirans had four fingers on each hand.

What is the urgency of this meeting, Chelini?

Is the Ambassador aware of the Human Alliance plan to contact the Alphans?

Of course. She was asked for her opinion.

So was I.

A wise action.

Not if our opinions aren’t heard.

They are going ahead with this project?

Yes. I suggested sending one ship.

As did our Ambassador.

They still intend to send more.

If that is their intent, why seek advice?

Now that I have been briefed on the mission, I’m subject to secrecy rules. Should anyone in our media find out and ask me about it, I couldn’t comment.

You believe that?

I have something of a reputation among my people, Verloth.

Something of one, yes.

Chelini struggled not to smile, as showing teeth was a hostile expression among the Hydirans. I also think that, had my opinion been more favorable, I might have been asked to take part.

I can understand that. Why do you think they are going forward, in spite of your concerns?

There is pressure to reduce the Fleet’s budget. They need to prove themselves useful. Our Prime Minister hasn’t been heard in intergalactic circles of late. If this mission succeeds, his standing and ours would increase.

Verloth’s head titled from side to side. Poor reasons for such an effort. Have they not considered what would happen if no contact is established?

Not seriously, it would seem.

It would not. This leads me to the reason behind this meeting. You did not come here simply to discuss this mission.

No. I want to go out there and let the Alphans know that the Alliance flotilla isn’t hostile. If I head out on my own, the authorities may stop me. They might not even let me leave Earth orbit.

Certainly.

But if I was to get an urgent summons to travel to, say, Hydira One, with permission from your government, then I couldn’t be prevented from leaving.

Verloth put his hands together. I believe I understand.

Good. Once I’m at Hydira One, I can jump to the edge of the Protectorate. From there I can bypass the Dohir and arrive right at the edge of Alphan space.

You will need permission to make such a jump across our space.

Which is why I’m talking to you.

Verloth was silent for a moment. I believe I will be able to secure permission, Chelini.

I don’t want to get you, or your government, in any trouble.

Verloth turned to face Chelini. I would be better for your people if the Alphans know that your expedition means them no harm. If that requires us to tell a lie to your government, then that is what we will do.

Thank you.

Understand that I will not do this just for you, Chelini. Yours is the only one of other three major races to sympathize with our people. The Elsora and the Vitnau would like to see your effort fail. If aiding you will raise the chances of success, then we shall aid you.

It all goes back to politics, Verloth?

If it is either politics or war, then the answer to your question is yes. I fear that I cannot see any other options.

I suppose not.

One last item. Do not feel that, if we assist you, you are too deeply in our debt. As I said, we have our own reasons for aiding you.

I will still owe you a favor, Verloth.

And I will remember that, Chelini. Verloth rose. He touched his left hand to his chest.

Chelini stood up. He touched his left hand to his chest. With that the two parted. Chelini pulled out and tapped his perscomm. Francie, I’ll be back on board soon. Make certain the ship is ready to leave.

Shall I recall the crew from their shore leave?

No. If we go, it’s just you, me, and Derek.

Okay. We’ll be here.

See you soon.

***

Captain, we are now at the edge of Alphan space.

Thanks, Derek, Paolo said to his navigator. He tapped and swiped the small screen next to his command chair. When he was done he looked up at the other two crew members. Okay, Derek, Francie, I can now tell you why we’re here. The government is sending ships this general direction to make some sort of contact with the Alphans.

And that’s bad?

They’re sending a cruiser, a frigate, a few destroyers, and a science ship.

The navigator whistled. That’s a lot of ships.

That’s what I said to Admiral Larsen.

You met with Admiral Larsen? Francie asked.

Paolo nodded. He asked for my expert opinion. I said it was too much.

And he didn’t listen, Derek replied, because Admirals don’t listen to civilian merchant captains.

Don’t be too hard on him, Francie said. I’ll bet Prime Minister Ross was breathing down his neck to get as many thumbs up as he could. She turned to Paolo. That’s why he talked to you, right?

Something like that, I think.

Didn’t the Elsora relate their experience? Derek asked.

I think they, and the Vitnau, and a few others want to see us fail. That’s why we’re out here, guys. I just sent out a message on all channels, and in all languages, telling the Alphans that the Alliance is sending out ships to make contact.

That’s all?

Well, I’d like to know that the message was received and understood. We’re going to stay here at least two days to make sure. The Alliance ships won’t be on the border for another week. We can wait that long, if we have to.

What if they don’t acknowledge the message? Francie asked.

Like I said, we can stay here a week. If that doesn’t get their attention, then nothing will, and we can leave without worrying.

Derek shook his head. I don’t know, Paolo. It seems risky. We’re knocking on the door of the most mysterious race in known space. And we’re doing that because our government is gonna come along in a week and knock.

Paolo nodded. I agree. But if we let that flotilla come unannounced, think what all could go wrong. If they don’t make contact, the mission’s a failure and we all have egg on our faces. What if the commander of the force makes a wrong assumption? Lives get lost, or worse.

I think you should have told us this before we left Earth.

If I did, and you didn’t go along, Derek, then what?

The bridge of the ship was quiet for a moment.

Derek finally nodded. Okay, I see your point.

Good. Francie, shut down all nonessential systems. We’ll man the bridge in shifts. I’ll take the first, then Francie, then Derek. Do I need to tell you to call out if a sphere arrives? Great. You two get some rest.

***

It was part-way through Francie’s shift that the large gray sphere jumped next to the ship. She was on the comm system in an instant. A few minutes later Paolo was on the bridge, with Derek arrived seconds later.

How big is it? Paolo asked.

Roughly two kilometers in diameter, Francie replied.

Weapons?

I can’t detect any. Wait. Sensors are picking up openings in the hull. They look tiny, maybe a few centimeters wide.

Power readings?

Just one big reading from the ship.

An indicator on Derek’s panel came on. Detecting a hail, Paolo. Audio only.

Put it on, Paolo said.

Human vessel, intoned a deep, low, and very male voice over the bridge speakers, you are not welcome here. Turn back at once.

Nice people, Derek said. He glanced at his console. The message is repeating.

Jump drive is online, Francie said.

Shall I set a new course?

Not just yet, Derek.

Captain, they’re telling us to leave.

Shush. Paolo tapped his screen. Alphan vessel, this is Captain Chelini. We will leave, as soon as you acknowledge that you have received and understood the message we have been broadcasting.

Their message is repeating, Captain.

Alphan vessel, we’re not going anywhere unless we know that you’ll give our people a fair hearing. You have to know that we’re no threat, so just tell us you got our message, and we’ll be on our way.

The message has stopped.

The power signature of the sphere is diminishing, Francie said.

The indicator on Derek’s panel lit up again. Another message, Captain.

Direct hail?

Yes, sir.

Okay. Paolo tapped the screen by his chair. This is Chelini.

Your message has been understood, replied a higher, more female voice. You have shown bravery, compassion, and ingenuity. We shall keep watch for the other human ships.

Will you make contact with us?

We are considering the idea. If we do so, it will be because of you. Others have come to us unannounced. Your actions make your visit an announced one. That will weigh in your favor.

I’m happy to hear that. If you have nothing more to say to us, we will leave your territory.

We have nothing more to say. Fare well, human.

Paolo tapped the screen then let out a deep sigh. Okay, Derek, take us back to Hydiran space.

Absolutely. I guess persistence paid off.

Persistence in the service of compassion, Derek. I think that’s what counted.

***

Three weeks later Paolo Chelini was back in Admiral Larsen’s office. This time his concerns were more justified. The Admiral didn’t shake his hand when he entered. The older man frowned and waved at the chair in front of his desk.

You made an end run around us, Chelini, Larsen said.

You didn’t take my advice, Admiral.

That’s not the point.

I beg to differ. If I had let you send out that force, without doing anything, who knows if your mission would have been a success. Maybe right now you’d be facing the Prime Minister, explaining yourself. Maybe the government would be facing a no-confidence vote. Maybe we’d be at war.

That doesn’t change what you did.

No, but did I break any laws?

The Hydirans...

Sent me an urgent request, Admiral. You can’t prove otherwise.

Your meeting with the Deputy Ambassador?

Do you have a recording of the meeting? No? Then how do you know what was said?

You discussed our mission with others.

So did you.

I did no such thing!

No? You didn’t get advice from their Ambassador, or other Ambassadors? You asked me for advice. Did you speak to anyone else inside or outside of government?

Larsen glared at him but didn’t answer.

Besides, I didn’t discuss the matter with my crew until we were on the border of Alphan space. That’s not a violation of Alliance law. Chelini pointed at him. It was my initiative that allowed your delegation to make contact with the Alphans.

Larsen let out a breath. So it would seem.

Admiral, would you like to know why I’ve done so well as a merchant captain?

Larsen shrugged.

It’s because I don’t assume that everyone thinks the way I do. The way humans do. Take this contact mission, for example. It seems to me that what the Alphans wanted was to know that a race wasn’t just curious to meet them. It was that they also would have the sense to announce that they were coming to make contact.

What of it?

"Perhaps, in their culture, the idea of someone dropping in unannounced is unheard of, or is frowned upon. Perhaps this was some sort of test, and we’re the first to pass it. We’ll find out why we succeeded soon enough. You made the assumption that because you didn’t have any hostile intent in sending all those ships, the Alphans would take you at your