Carinae Sector: 01 - Traders' Scourge - Part 2 - Maveen Offer (30 page)

BOOK: Carinae Sector: 01 - Traders' Scourge - Part 2 - Maveen Offer

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Steve looked around again at his both bemused and amazed mission team, as the Maveen finished speaking. Clearly the lead probe had been coldly precise in explaining the galactic state of affairs that Steve had learnt about in the last three days. Ian looked in amazement at both the Maveen and the Trader captain, as Steve looked at Sanjay and Douglas. Steve turned to look at Samantha at his side now, and she gave him a tight, but warm smile as he spoke.

‘We don’t understand the how but we sure understand the why of the deal. I submit that we have a show of hands, though protocol means that I will vote last. Who in the mission team is in support of the Maveen deal?’

Steve felt a wave of relief as all other hands in science mission team shot upwards, and a cheer rose from several people. Steve also raised his hand as he continued to speak.

‘We all agreed and it was not hard to do so either. Now the next part is to work out whom here is going to the new world. I can give each of you some time to consider this carefully. Remember some of us will have to stay behind to ensure the transfer of Trader knowledge proceeds effectively.’

Steve was slightly embarrassed by the muttered looks and glances of consternation that he was given as he led Samantha to one side. She gave him a hug and then looked into his eyes before she quietly spoke.

‘The colonists are going to need medical care and leaders Steve.’

Steve agreed with another hug and a wry comment.

‘Life has taken me from navy commander then to fish exporter, to now a colonist and explorer.’

Steve turned to both Captain Narindestat and the Maveen lead probe, and gave an awkward bow of respect.

‘I thank you for both your deal offers. We will accept the Trader deal and convey both the urgency and secrecy of the second deal from the Maveen to our leaders. I will recommend we accept both deals. Now I will take just the senior mission members back to our ship and hopefully return later in the afternoon.’

In minutes Steve, Douglas and the four team leaders were on board a runabout and motoring back out to the Aurora Discovery. Captain Narindestat conferred quietly with the lead probe, as Emeria led Garendestat off to the sick bay followed by Samantha and Rebecca. As Steve boarded his ship he was going over in his mind the risks of these deals. He was worried on two fronts by the new details of these deals. Either of the deals could be rejected by a number of world leaders, plus he was concerned about how the galactic races would respond after the Traders and Maveen had left Earth.

Steve had the beginning of an idea about how humanity could be defended, but he first needed to talk with his mission team and then with overseas experts. Two questions formed in his mind as he quickly made his way to the bridge to phone Ian Ridge, for he knew that if humanity got the answers wrong the price could prove fatal.

‘How does the human race proceed with this deal, and let the Traders and Maveen safely leave Earth?

After which how do we avoid being punished or attacked, even as we found another colony elsewhere in the galaxy?’

***

The story continues in part three, New Shores……

Table of Contents

Traders’ Scourge