The Corporate Wars Vol 2: The Corporate Wars, #2

By R Thomas McPherson

The Corporate Wars

Volume 2

"A shadow has fallen over the Galaxy.

Evil will grow in its path and death will fall from the skies."

Time is running out!

With the arrival of the Alien Rebel Alliance, Rick has discovered an alien operative wreaking havoc across the conglomeration. Can he find this alien operative and end the corporate wars before the alien attack fleet comes?

Find out in,

The Corporate Wars

Volume 2

This is a special 3-in-1 Book of Rick's adventures.

• Language: English
• Publisher: R Thomas McPherson
• Release date: Aug 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223634102

Book preview

Book 4 Inclusion

Chapter 1 Disclosure

Rick walked into Hobbs’ office. Sir, it’s time.

Hobbs half turned in his chair but didn’t get up. Rick, do you think this is a good idea?

Honestly, I don't know if it is or not. What I do know is that we can't do this alone. They need to know what they are facing.

You're right, of course, said Hobbs. I'm just feeling old.

That's no wonder with all the stress you have been under for.... Rick had to think how long Hobbs had been the CEO. Has it only been six months?

Yeah, I guess it has, said Hobbs, then changed the subject. How many do we have in attendance?

We have thirty-four CEOs and representatives from another seventeen.

Fifty-four. Do you think that will be enough to do what we need to do?

We’ll make it work, said Rick. We have no other choice. You made me your military adviser, and this is my advice.

Well, said Hobbs as he hoisted himself out of the chair and headed to the meeting. Let’s go.

Rick knew that he was tired. He had been up for the last several days setting up this meeting. Assurances had to be made. Security had to be arranged, and the safety of the CEOs had to be considered. Hobbs wanted the meeting to take place on Anteagen among the ruins of the capital. This was to remind everyone of the horrors of war.

The attack by Rossom had left the Wilson Administration Building devastated. While they were working on restoring it, the building was still mostly a pile of rubble. As a result, they had to set up a room in the Legal Building.

Jammers lined the walls and were covered with wood panels. It was set up much like the Board room, with room for sixty.

Rick knew that he would give the briefing; his only concern at the moment was if Hobbs would stay awake. It was all ‘old news’ to Hobbs, but Rick didn't want him to appear feeble.

They passed by security and entered the room. Tim was at the podium and introduced Hobbs. Rick always thought that was strange because everyone knew who he was.

Hobbs went up to the platform and said, Thank you all for coming. I'm sure that many of you have heard rumors. Some of you know because you had direct contact with the situation. We will now end the rumors and give you the facts. Our way of life is in danger. This menace threatens our livelihoods and even our lives. We will ask for your help, but first, I need you to understand what is happening. To brief you on the state of current events, I give you Rick Thompson.

There was a lite clap as Rick came to the podium.

Where to begin? A little over three hundred years ago, we, as a race, stepped out into space to find new worlds. We were disappointed that we found no life like ourselves with each new world. We thought we were all alone in the night. Brace yourselves; we are not alone. A race of cat-like aliens is headed for us as we speak.

There was a rumbling in the crowd. Rick paused a moment to let it die down.

I have been investigating this from the beginning. It started with the destruction of the labs. I went out to find out who was responsible.

Wasn’t it Rossom? said a female voice from the crowd.

While Rossom was directly responsible for one of the attacks on Wilson’s property, they were indirectly responsible for all the attacks. I will explain that in a moment. We gathered some of the wreckage from a number of the attacks and studied the energy signatures. We discovered that no corporation in the Conglomeration could have committed these attacks. We didn't understand this until we captured Steve Collier. Then we found out the truth. Watch.

Rick hit the button on a remote at the podium. The lights went dim, and screens came down all around the room. The video started, and it was the video Collier had recorded of the lab's destruction.

Before the attack, Rick paused the video and said, I call your attention to that small red circle in the bottom left of the screen. That is one of the labs at 100,000 kilometers distance. That is important as you watch the next sequence. He hit play again.

There were gasps in the crowd as the energy bolt emerged from nowhere and enveloped the station. In a matter of seconds, the station was destroyed. That is why we could find no evidence, said Rick as he hit pause.

Rick heard someone in the room ask, Where did it come from?

Rick was sure that that question was on everyone’s mind. That’s a good question. You will have your answer in a moment. I don’t think you are going to like it. He hit play.

Rick watched the crowd for reactions as the electrical disturbance brought the alien ship into view. It took up most of the screen. The grumbling started as the vessel appeared. The fighters came out and fired on anything left alive. It didn’t take long until they were headed back to the ship and the video ended.

I want everyone to remember that that ship was 100,000 kilometers away. To give you some perspective on that. The alien ship is ten times wider and fifteen times longer than the largest carrier in the Conglomeration, Rick paused to let that thought sink in. By the way, CEO Summers, we believe that it was your lab that was destroyed, so now you at least know what happened to your telepaths.

I don’t know what you are talking about, said Summers.

Rick continued, Let me respond to his statement to all of you. Any denials will be counter-productive to this meeting. Collier has confessed that he worked with many of you to set up labs to create telepaths. His ultimate goal was to get you to fight with each other and weaken the corporate structure. So, he could take over the Conglomeration with little to no resistance. Again, Rick paused. All of you should know that I don't say anything without proof. So, let's say you lied. I pulled apart those lies with a web of infallible logic and saved ourselves some time. We are not here to cast the blame on anyone. We are here to give you the facts so that we can prepare for a coming war. The telepaths are going to be an important part of that war. Because the aliens are or have many telepaths.

The last statement caused a rumble in the crowd.

That’s why the aliens destroyed the labs. They wanted to remove any opposition. A few rouge telepaths could easily upset their plans.

What happened to that ship? Is it still out there? Came a voice from the crowd.

To answer your second question first. No, it is not out there. To answer your first question.... Again, Rick hit the play button. The video started just before Jennings took his dive at the alien ship. Everyone was transfixed as they watched Jennings’ heroics and the alien ship break up and fall to the planet. We have destroyed that ship. That was just a scout. A vanguard, if you will. As ex-Director Collier said, 'If a fleet of those ships wanted to come in and take over, there is nothing we can do about it.' We need the resources of the entire Conglomeration working together to defend against that fleet.

You have got to be out of your mind, said one of the CEO. We are not going to join with hostile corporations!

No, said Rick calmly. I am not out of my mind. Rick hit play again. This video was from the first alert station on the Mosley moon. I want you to pay close attention to the distortion on the right side of the screen.

The two Langley battleships jumped in and started to engage the attacking Rossom ships. They began to turn and leave the area. Before they could jump out, the plasma bolts came out of the distortion Rick had pointed out. They watched as both battleships were destroyed.

Within one minute, that ship destroyed two of Langley's finest battleships. That ship destroyed the labs before they even knew they were being attacked. With that said, does anyone truly believe you can stand alone? Rick paused to let that thought sink in. The crowd was silent.

This is where we need your help. We know that most of you have business interests on the other side of this war. You are still friendly with corporations even though they are on the other side of the conflict. We need you to reach out to them and get them to join us.

There was much talking going back and forth then. Finally, someone said, How do you expect us to get them to join Wilson?

I don't expect you to get them to join Wilson. I expect you to get them to join humanity. Rick started a new video. This time he let Collier's comments be heard. Collier talked about the rumors he had heard and what he expected to see. As the video played out, it showed proof that Rossom had dealt with the aliens.

As the video ended, there was stunned silence everywhere. No one could believe that Ridges could or would make a deal with the aliens. Rick dropped his words into the silence. This is why we have to isolate Rossom. They have conspired with the enemy against humanity.

This caused an uproar of anger throughout the room. Rick waited for the noise to die out. Each of you will be given full data packs to aid you in our request. We believe that once the other corporations understand that they have given allegiance under pretenses, they will join our cause. The survival of humanity.

There were mumblings of agreement.

However, this is not the end of the briefing. We have discovered several facts along the way that you need to be aware of. First and foremost, the aliens were looking for something in our area of space. At first, we were still trying to figure out what that something was. Then it came to our attention that a group of telepaths, or talents as they are more commonly known, heard a mental noise in a base on Horse. The aliens bypassed them as they rampaged through the area. This base was built and owned by Steve Collier.

There was more mumbling.

Steve has saved over a thousand talents, and it was discovered that this noise protected the talents from the aliens. What created the noise was a compound called Methane-Hydrate.

So this resource is on the planet, Horse?

That is correct. However, the Coltrane Corporation has closed its borders and has its entire fleet protecting the planet. You can buy the Methane-Hydrate from them but at a very steep price. You will be happy to know that we have found another source.

How much are you going to charge?

We will make it available as needed, but it is a limited resource. But that is not the point. As we were battling the alien ship over Braxis, we realized we caught them off guard because they were looking for something.

Were they looking for that methane stuff?

That’s what we thought at first, but this is what they were looking for. Rick hit play, and the video showed the three-dimensional structure of the crystal Methane-Hydrate. That, my friends, is a prison. What the aliens wanted to do was free the prisoner.

There was an outburst from the crowd saying nasty things about Rick and how he was out of his mind. Rick stood there while they hurled insults his way without flinching. As the noise died out, he said, Let me remind you, I'm not going to say anything without proof. He started another video. This recording from one of the helmet cams showed the battle between Rick and the evil alien. Rick shuttered as the wisp of orange curled in on itself and escaped.

I didn’t know at the time that I had just set free a foul and evil being. The talents told me that there are three others. We know that one of them is on Horse. We don't know where the other two are.

If this was an evil being like you say, why were the aliens trying to free it?

For that, we have no firm answer; all we have is conjecture. We know this is a very nasty and powerful being. We suspect that the aliens wanted to ally, much like Rossom wanted to ally themselves with the aliens. That is just a guess. Still, we think the aliens are at war with another race.

The last statement caused a stir in the crowd. Many of them were asking the same question. How many races are there? Rick held up his hands and answered the question. When it finally got quite enough, Rick said, That I do not have an answer for. This is what I can tell you. One of the talents, one of the strongest we have, looked into the mind of the being as it was escaping. He saw hundreds of races.

The mumbling started again. Someone finally yelled, Why have we never seen any of these races before?

That is a good question. Rick hit a button, and a map of the galaxy came up. On the outer spiral, a red dot appeared. As it began to pulse, Rick said, That red dot is the entirety of the Conglomeration in relationship to the galaxy. Is it any wonder that we have not encountered alien life when we have not even left our front yard? Rick paused to let that thought sink in. With that thought in mind, the human race can no longer stand divided. We work together, or we die alone. It is that simple.

Do you believe you can get corporations allied with Rossom to fight against them?

I want to make this absolutely clear. We are not going to fight Rossom! They are not the enemy. If attacked, we will defend ourselves, but we are not going after them. We are not going to fight a war of conquest. We hope that once Rossom stands alone, Ridges will come to his senses and stop the war. If not, once all or most of the allies have abandoned Rossom, we will send the information I have shared with you to the Rossom Board of Directors and let them deal with him.

And if that doesn't work?

If that doesn't work, we'll have to discover another course of action. For right now, let's not go out to buy trouble.

Someone else in the crowd asked the question Rick had been dreading but knew was coming. When will this fleet arrive?

Here, all we have is guesswork. We do not know how long that ship took to get here. The military advisers tell me that if s ship goes missing, they start looking for it one and a half times the round trip. If it took them six months to get here, we have a year and a half. We've already used up six months. We might have a fighting chance if we are ready one year from now.

What is it you expect from us?

That, said Rick. Is not something I can answer. At this point, I'm here to give you information.

It seemed that there were no more questions. With that, I turn you back over to CEO Hobbs.

Hobbs stood and came to the podium. I will give you a few days to absorb the information. Then I will contact each of you to discuss what will happen next. Thank you for coming.

Chapter 2 John

As the meeting broke up, Rick wanted to keep Hobbs out of the hands of the other CEOs. Rick ushered Hobbs out of the closest side door and got him back to his office.

Rick said, Tim, I want his driver upstairs now. Then he turned to Hobbs. You are going home right now and going to bed.

But... said Hobbs, too tired to fight about it.

No but's! You are going home now, or I will take you there myself and sit on you until you fall asleep. That should take about a second. Tim, go with him and get him into bed.

Yes, Sir, said Tim. Rick could see that Tim was as concerned about Hobbs as he was.

Just then, there was a beeping from Tim's desk. He answered it.

Mr. Slattery, this is security at the front desk. We have a situation here. Is Director Thompson around?

Rick heard the security officer. He looked over at Tim and said, You handle this, pointing at Hobbs. I'll handle that, meaning the call. Rick went around the desk. This is Director Thompson. What can I do for you?

Sir, I hate to bother you with everything going on today, but we have a man down here who says he has an urgent message about the Snow Base.

Rick couldn't believe what he had just heard. Today of all days. Who is it?

He said that his name is John. That is the only information he will give us. And that is the only information we will get from him.

Okay, have him escorted to my office and have the security escort stand by for instructions.

Yes, Sir.

Rick sat at Tim's desk and thought about the situation. If this was John the talent, he had information that something essential and probably dangerous had happened or was about to happen. Rick's imagination went wild. John seemed to show up at critical moments.

As they got off the lift, Rick had forgotten how big the transformation had made John. He was still smaller than his pilot Tim, but John was taller by a head than the security that had escorted him. As they came up and stood before Rick, he said, I know this man; you are dismissed.

The escort seemed confused but didn't seem like they wanted to guard John anymore because he was physically imposing. Rick thought these security men would be scared if they knew how powerful John was. If John wanted to get in to see Rick, security couldn't stop him. It seemed to Rick that John was playing their game for their benefit.

Rick said, Come in and sit down as they entered the office. Is there anything I can get you?

No, thank you. I'll stand. You don't seem to have any chairs that will fit me. I come with urgent news from Snow Base.

The way it was said made the hair on the back of Rick's head stand on end. Okay, John, what's going on?

First, I need to tell you some things you were never told before. I left five of my people behind on Horse. It was a matter of knowing what happened after we left.

I see, said Rick.

While it was never discussed, Captain Langston did very little damage to the base. The first floor of the flight deck and a few fighters, that’s all that was damaged.

I suspected as much.

I’m sure you didn’t know they had heavy equipment to move the debris within an hour. Within a day, they were back in the base proper. Collier went in and accessed the computers.

Collier was there. So, it was Collier that called Coltrane on us.

Yes, but that wasn't the important part. After accessing the computers, he went down into the tunnels. He ran the machines, broke into the Methane-Hydrate, and flooded the lower levels. It was only after the flood that he discovered the crystal structure.

Don’t tell me, and he drilled into it?

Yes, he did, said John.

Oh no!

Oh no, is right. An hour and a half later, Collier came out. He passed by one of my people, and that talent said it was like darkness had invaded his soul.

Collier did have a very dark nature, said Rick.

I mentioned that, and he said it was like nothing he had ever seen, like pure evil.

Rick thought about the being he fought, and that description could also fit it. He sighed heavily. What happened then?

He loaded up a transport with provisions and has not been seen or heard from.

What about the crystal structure?

They did finally go in and found a body of an alien. The description was much like the one you killed.

I think I know where you are going with this. Rick didn't want to hear anymore, but he still had to know.

From everything I've been able to gather, it looks like that evil being has possessed Collier.

Rick's more sarcastic side thought that it would be an improvement. Do we know how much food he took?

If you’re asking how long he could be out there, it could be up to a year with the provisions he took. The real question is whom he could meet. Collier could have a specific destination with the knowledge of the evil being. If that is the case, there is no telling whom he could bring back.

Well, John, you have given me much to think about. Is there anything else you need to tell me?

No, Sir, that about does it. I need to get back to Braxis. This light gravity is making me lightheaded. John chuckled and smiled as if it were a private joke.

Thank you, John. I’ll get back to Braxis in a day or two. I need to tie up some loose ends here first.

Then I will see you when I see you.

Then I’ll see you then, said Rick.

Chapter 3 Neman

After John left, Rick started thinking about what he had just learned about Collier. If the alien possessed Collier, was it Collier’s choice or the aliens? Did the alien take over Collier because he was available? Or was it Collier’s choice because he wanted power? There was always the possibility of a mutual agreement because each had what the other wanted.

In any case, there were now two of those foul creatures at large in the galaxy. That was not good for anyone, but there was still time to prepare. Rick's mind turned to Braxis; he still had a few things to handle before leaving Anteagen, and one of them was Neman. Computer call Director Neman's office.

Director Neman’s office, how may I help you. This was the same young lady Rick met the last time he was in Neman’s office.

This is Director Thompson. I need to have a short meeting with Director Neman. I know he is a busy man, but I would be grateful if you could check with him. I want to stop by and see him as soon as possible.

I'll check with him and see; please hold.

Thank you, and the screen went blank. Rick wasn't sure how Neman would react. He would see Neman today no matter what it took, even if he had to set up camp on his couch again.

The screen came back on. Director was about to go to lunch. He said you could come by now to see him if you like.

Thank you. I'll be there in one minute.

With the destruction of the Admin building, the Board was now housed in the Legal building. Neman's office was one floor below the CEO's office.

Rick headed out and took the stairs. As soon as he stepped into the reception area, the young lady hit a button and said, He's here.

Send him in. This told Rick that while they were enemies, Neman had more respect for Rick than he did the last time.

Rick nodded to show that he heard Neman. As he walked in, the first thing Rick said was, I apologize for the abruptness. I don't want to seem rude and thank you for your time. I have many things to accomplish and a short time to do them.

I understand, said Neman. He was cordial and polite because he feared what Rick could do to him.

With that said, I release you from our agreement. There was a look of shock on Neman's face. I will not be here, so I can't hold you to it. Tim, my assistant, has been with me through the entire process. He knows everything I do.

Is that a threat? Neman had a look of suspicion.

No. What I’m doing is giving you a fair warning. Tim has been friends with and loyal to the new CEO for many years. You can do what you want without any interference from me. However, I would tread lightly with the CEO and Tim. I have given Tim no instructions, nor do they know I'm talking to you. Just know that I have no intention of further pursuing the matter. Rick stuck out his hand, and to his surprise, Neman took it.

I think we have come to an understanding, said Neman.

Good. Now I have many things to do. I’ll see you when I get back from Braxis.

Good luck.

Thank you. Rick left Neman's office. While everything he just said was true, he would let Tim know about the conversation and instruct him to keep an eye on Neman.

Rick believed that what would keep Neman in line more than anything else was that Rick, and by extension, Tim, could dig up all Neman's crimes without alerting him. For that, Rick had Bannic to thank. A thought came to him. He might have Bannic to another search when he returned from Braxis to see what Neman was up to.

Rick went back upstairs and sat at Tim’s desk. He thought about the conversation with John. The thing that struck him was how did John get to Anteagen? And how was he going to get back to Braxis?

It's not like he could blend into a crowd. Apparently, he was using his talent, but how did he do it? Rick smiled because he had seen firsthand how powerful John was. Rick was glad to have him on his side. He set that thought aside and marked it up to the abilities of a talent.

There were several reasons that Rick and the Farris were at Anteagen. One of the reasons was that Hobbs wanted Dr. Weller’s opinion before the construction battalion started work on the new hospitals.

They had already put-up prefabricated emergency rooms to replace the surgical tents. Rick found it strange that all the prefab buildings had the Rossom logo. Rick couldn't say too much. While he hated to admit it, they were the best prefab's in the Conglomeration.

The nice thing was that Rick got to go home every night. Hobbs, Ted, Weller, and sometimes Tim would join Rick and Nancy for dinner. Benson would do an excellent job, making Rick happy to give Nancy the lifestyle she was used to.

Nancy once told him there was a Weller on the Board of Directors several generations ago. The family was very wealthy. Rick discovered that Nancy grew up in a mansion much, like their manner. She said that she would have given it all up for him. Rick tried to ensure that she had whatever she needed and wanted from that point forward.

On this evening, work invaded their gathering. Hobbs had gotten several hours of sleep and came to join the group. He claimed that his hunger woke him up. Rick quietly instructed Benson to prepare a room for Hobbs.

Once dinner was over, Rick pulled Hobbs and Ted into the office. With the door closed, he said, Gentlemen, I have some bad news.

Hobbs just hung his head as if to say he didn't want to hear this. On the other hand, Ted said, in a very military manner, What's going on?

Rick relayed the information given to him by John.

Good God! said Hobbs. That man is evil enough without being possessed by a demon.

Ted took a less emotional approach. Do we know where he is heading?

No clue. I know that he took a year's worth of supplies with him. Is that a one-way or round trip? I don’t know.

Hobbs nodded, We will assume that is a round trip. So, we need to be ready in a year.

Do we know if he is going after the Cats? said Ted.

Rick shook his head, We don't know, but my gut says no. I think, and this is just a guess, that he will go find the race the Cats are at war with.

Hobbs looked confused. War? How did you come to that conclusion?

Think about it. Why would the Cats come all this way looking for a weapon if they weren’t at war with someone more powerful than them?

He has a point, said Ted.

Yes, he does, said Hobbs. I’m too tired to think about this now. I need sleep.

Yes, Sir. Benson!

Almost at once, Benson stuck his head in the door. Yes, Sir.

Please show the CEO to his room.

Rick, said Hobbs, but he was cut off before he could get far.

No! You will sleep where no one can bother you. Benson.

Yes, Sir. I will put CEO Hobbs to bed, Sir.

Thank you, Benson. Rick looked at Hobbs, You know you can't argue with Benson. You hired him. The only person that is not in agreement is you.

Oh, all right. It will save me a trip in the morning.

This way, Sir. We have a lovely..., said Benson as he shut the door.

Once they were gone, Ted said, What are we going to do about Collier?

At this point, all we can do is what we have been doing.

What are...

Before Ted could finish his question, Nancy burst into the room. You boys need to see this! She went to the computer and pulled up the news feed.

There was a scene of a planet being invaded. Before Rick could see what was happening, the scene cut out, and the news announcer came on. "For those who have just tuned in, the Rossom Corporation has just invaded the McTech homeworld. There is still fighting in the capital, but most of the planet of Marsh has fallen to the Rossom forces. It is expected that the capital city will fall within a week.

Rick went and turned off the computer. That makes no sense. McTech has been a loyal business partner for a very long time.

I’m not up on all the Corps, said Ted. What does McTech do?

They are a construction corporation. They build some of the best space stations.

Then I’m going to assume they have a fleet of Mammoth ships?

What’s a Mammoth ship? said Nancy.

Ted answered. They are huge ships that bring everything needed to the construction site.

When you say that, they would have to have the Mammoth ships. Why?

Because with a Mammoth ship like that, you could build ships. Same technology, the same process. The only difference is that you need an engine. Three Mammoth ships could build a carrier. And because they are mobile, we would never know where they were being built.

Rick got the idea. So, this is a military move to control production?

I believe it is, said Ted. From the reports I received after Nash's trial, Pacifica strained their relationship.

How so? said Rick. Rossom was exonerated.

Yeah, but McTech sold the missiles to Nash. It was their greed that caused the bombing of Pacifica. After that, McTech started to pull away from Rossom. They pulled away too far, too fast, and Rossom said, No.

Rick thought about what Ted had just said. And that’s why they attacked.

This is just the beginning. We need to get the CEO in on this conversation.

Don't, said Rick. There is nothing that won't keep for a few hours. Besides, the latest move by Rossom will do nothing but enrage their allies and make it easier to break away from their alliance with Rossom. So let's all go to bed and inform the CEO in the morning.

Rick went to the door and opened it. In the reception area, Benson was helping Hobbs with his coat. Hobbs looked over at Rick and said, I know you were trying to let me get some rest, but we have work to do. Admiral, recall your crew. In twelve hours, you are heading to the Delavan shipyard. That will be the staging area for the attack on the Rossom Fleet in the McTech system.

Yes, Sir.

Once you arrive, give command of the Titan to Captain Feldman. You are to wait for other ships to arrive, then take command of the fleet and drive Rossom out of McTech airspace.

Yes, Sir.

Hobbs turned and walked up to Nancy. He took her hands and said, Thank you for a lovely evening, but I’m going to need to take your boyfriend,

Nancy giggled, I would expect nothing less.

Hobbs smiled, then turned to Rick and said as he headed for the door, Rick, would you please come with me. They found Hobbs’s driver sitting in the front seat, ready to leave.

Chapter 4 Attack

They both got into the back of the car, and Hobbs told the driver to go to the Legal building. Hobbs said, Call Tim Slattery, putting his phone in his ear. There was a momentary pause. Tim, it's time to go to work. Another pause. Oh, I’ll see you when I get in. Hobbs turned to Rick, He is already there."

Rick was concerned about what was going on. Sir, you can’t be serious about committing troops to help McTech?

Yes, I am. Hobbs sighed. Rick, this is a political move as much as a military one. We have a moral obligation here. We can't say that we stand for the human race and throw McTech to the wolves.

Yeah, but they are the enemy.

No! They are not. That’s the whole point. Stand together or die alone, isn’t that what you said?

Yeah, said Rick.

In a way, this incident is perfectly timed. Rossom attacks one of their allies the day we send people out to take those allies away. Once the word gets out, I don't think we will have any problem isolating Rossom.

So, what is it you need me to do?

I've been thinking about this, and there is only one man that I can trust to do this job. That's you.

Okay, so I'll repeat it. What do you need me to do?

I need you to go in and rescue the CEO of McTech.

How do you expect me to do that?

Wow, said Hobbs, you jumped over the why and went right to the how. I like that. But let’s go back to the why first. Felix Estey is the CEO and legal owner of the McTech Corporation. Once we liberate McTech, he will be able to recover the corporation, and I think he will become an ally with us for helping him. As we show that this is not a selfish act, it will positively affect the others as they might be next.

I can see that, said Rick.

Now, as to how. I suggest you take two men. Your pilot, Goliath, and John the talent.

John is probably halfway back to Braxis by now. I have no clue where he is.

If my guess is right, said Hobbs, and they usually are, he will be waiting on us or finding you.

Rick could not see how Hobbs came to that conclusion. What makes you say that?

Because he respects you. Correct me if I’m wrong, but John seems to show up when you need him the most.

You are not wrong. That is an accurate statement.

That means that he wants to help you. What you told me of your last meeting with him, he seems to have ghosted his way from Braxis to the Legal building to help you. And he didn’t even raise an eyebrow.

That is also a true statement, said Rick.

You will need his talent to rescue CEO Estey. That is why I think he will be with you.

The driver pulled into the parking lot, and Rick looked out the window. A sizeable hulking man was standing near the entrance to the building. Rick couldn't recognize this person in the dark, but he was sure he knew who it was.

Apparently, so did Hobbs. See what I mean.

They got out of the car and headed for the building entrance. John stepped forward. He said, Good evening, CEO and Director.

Hobbs looked at the massive man and said, You must be John? then put his hand out for a handshake.

Please forgive me for not taking your hand, Sir. To do so would give me more information than I want.

I’ll explain that later, said Rick to Hobbs. Let’s get inside.

Once they got onto the lift, Hobbs asked, Do you know what needs to be done?

I do, that was all that John said.

He’s a man of few words, said Rick. Do you think we will have problems getting the CEO out?

I do not believe so. However, I must warn you that this will be very draining. I will not be able to use my talent for some time.

They got out of the lift, and Tim was waiting on them. Tim, said Hobbs as they all headed for his office. Get the Farris on the line. Have them send down Goliath. We have a mission for him.

Yes, Sir, said Tim as he turned away to do as he was told.

Hobbs said, I don't understand, as they entered the office. Are you going to be okay to do this? I know you used your abilities to get here from Braxis.

Yes, I will be okay to do this. Let me see if I can explain. You need sleep. You have pushed yourself very hard without sleep for a few days. Still, you did it because it was necessary. I will do whatever I need to do because it is necessary. Once the mission is done, I will need seclusion to rest my mind, much like you need sleep to rest your body.

I think I can understand that, said Hobbs. As soon as Goliath arrives, I need you three to get in, Get the CEO and get back here as soon as possible.

Yes, Sir, said Rick.

Rick, one more thing. He needs to come of his own free will. If not, they will say we kidnapped him.

Understood, Sir. Rick then looked over at John. I think Goliath will be in the parking lot by the time we get there.

John stood in front of Hobbs. I am glad to have met you, Sir. It is nice to have someone in power with honor and integrity.

Thank you, said Hobbs with a bewildered look.

We got to go. Rick and John got onto the lift; Rick asked, Did you mean what you said to Hobbs?

John smiled. Of course I did. We can’t lie.

What do you mean you don’t lie?

Not don’t, but can’t. They got off the lift and went outside. Let me put it this way. What if everyone around you knew you were telling them the truth?

Wow! That’s one hell of a concept.

Now, what would happen if they knew you were thinking about telling a lie.

I’m starting to see where this is going.

Most talents don’t even bother with words. They pass around mental image pictures back and forth. Those you can’t fake.

I understand you a lot better now, John. I can respect your situation, and I'm sorry I can't communicate that way. Now I see why you don't say much.

That’s okay. It is why they have me come to talk to you.

Why is that?

Because I used to be a writer. My whole world revolved around words. As a result, I have an easier time using words to talk to others.

I see. What is your last name? Rick wanted to know if he had read any of John's books.

Forgive me for not answering that question. That was two transformations ago. A different life, a different me. That person no longer exists. My name is John; my last name is Talent; my middle name is The.

Rick smiled; he would respect John's privacy. The noise of a shuttle made Rick look up, and Goliath was coming in for a landing. "All right, John Talent, let's get this mission underway.

The shuttle set down, and as Rick went to open the hatch, he noticed a McTech logo on the shuttle. They got on, and Rick said, Goliath, where did you get this shuttle?

Slattery had me pick it up from the CEO’s private hanger. I was amazed to see the place.

What do you mean by that? said Rick.

He has a shuttle from every corporation on the conglomeration.

Rick remembered that Hobbs had let him use the Coltran shuttle to capture Collier. Prepare for every eventuality. Yeah, that’s our CEO. Rick went forward and noticed the shuttles had standard controls. Can you fly this thing without breaking it?

No problems, I've gotten a lot less heavy-handed. I can get you to the planet safely.

On the way, Rick thought about the planet Marsh. It was the capital planet of the McTech Corporation. Technically, the planet had more landmass than any other planet in the Conglomeration. The issue was that 90% of the continent was marshlands or, as they called it, wetlands. This is why they called it the planet Marsh.

When McTech first found the planet, they found that agriculture was good in the wetlands. But soon after that, the population outgrew the drylands, so they had to build cities over the marsh. Once they went back into space, they used those building and problem-solving skills to build space stations. In short, they became the best builders in the Conglomeration. McTech was a small corporation. While they own other planets, none of them got out of the colonization stage. McTech was too busy making money building space stations to do much planetary development.

Rick was hit with the thought that they were going into the situation blind. He looked over at John. I have to ask, do we have a plan?

I will.

Okay, that doesn’t answer my question. Do we have a plan?

No.

Then how do we expect to get the CEO out?

Director, please understand that I am a powerful talent. There is no obstacle they can put in the way I cannot overcome. Then I want you to think about how I came to see you.

Rick thought about meeting John on the flight deck when he stopped time. And then he thought about the meeting this afternoon. No one knew anything about it until you showed up at my door.

I could have made it to your office door, but I thought that would be rude. Trust me, you will see.

Rick was right. John did let security stop him. It seemed that John was more powerful than even Rick suspected. This set his mind at ease. Then tell me what you want me to do?

Follow me, and I hate to say it this way, be quiet.

Guys, said Goliath. We have one last jump, and I expect to jump into a battle. So get strapped in, full harness.

Rick knew what that meant. Without hesitation, he strapped in.

I’m sorry, said John, They will not fit me.

Then hang on. We jump in 3...2...1...Jump.

Rick was finishing with the straps when Goliath jumped. John stood and grabbed the overhead bars on both sides of the shuttle.

Chapter 5 Marsh

As soon as they came out of the jump, Goliath took the ship into a dive. Rick remembered the last time his pilot jumped into a battle. He had complete faith in Goliath’s abilities. So he just let himself be jolted back and forth and waited for it to end.

As the shuttle leveled out, Goliath yelled, I think we are through the worst of it.

Rick unstrapped and looked out the front viewport to get his first view at the planet of Marsh. He could see why this was a planet of builders. The cities were built on platforms ten to fifteen meters above the wetlands. Many buildings were made of glass, and the sun showed through to the ground. Rick wondered how deep they had to drive the support beams to hit bedrock.

The wetlands were kept in an almost pristine condition. The sunlight came between the buildings, and the wildlife roamed freely in the marsh. Rick thought this was a lovely planet and was disgusted that war would destroy it. The wetlands gave way to drylands, and the architecture was more like what he was used to seeing.

Get ready, said Goliath, We are coming up on the capital. They could see fighting and explosions off in the distance.

Rick heard the tiny voice tell him they were in for a rough ride. With everything he had learned, Rick decided to pay attention to that voice. He jumped into the co-pilot seat and secured himself for whatever came next.

We got incoming! Goliath yelled as he turned and simultaneously put the shuttle into a dive. This move brought them closer to the surface. As a result, they started receiving small weapons fire from the troops on the ground.

Rick looked at the screen and saw a rocket coming up fast behind them. Brace for impact!

The rocket caught one of the engines, and the resulting explosion ripped the shuttle’s back half off. They were going down in the business district. Rick knew because Goliath somehow managed to keep what was left of the shuttle level. They slid into the front window of a department store.

Rick unstrapped himself and got