TRADING LIES.
Chapter 13.
INTERSTELLAR NEWS CHANNEL 9. NEWS FLASH.
In business news it was today revealed that ninety-seven of the Inner Systems’ top one hundred companies now fall under the Coffee Houses’ conglomerate banner. Sixty per cent of the Federation are now employed by the Earth-based super-company with a further twenty per cent dependent on those companies The Federal Senate dismissed claims that the company had become too powerful, stating the difficult trading conditions during the war, and the collapse of fifteen of the old one hundred companies over the last few years distorted the list. A spokesman for the Federal Navy also praised the conglomerate, saying that without the unified trading power of the company the war effort would have been severely hampered.
Alienbutt sat in the pilot seat of the shuttle. He felt good to be space side again. Alongside him, the larger bulk of Stoney’s ship matched his speed as they began to move out of the planet’s orbit. Stoney had given him a list of contacts spanning over a dozen systems, many of them fellow traders who he trusted to help Alienbutt with information on systems further afield. They had decided the best course would be to jump between systems and gather information about any trouble in the systems he would need to cross. He flicked a switch to open communication.
“Stoney, all systems are good. I’m ready to go,” Alienbutt said as he did a final visual check of the control panel.
“Don’t forget to drop my name at your first couple of stops. It should get you better information,” Stoney replied. “Good luck to you and I hope you make it home safe.”
“Thanks, Stoney for all your help. Give my thanks again to the Princess and her parents,” Alienbutt said as he saw Stoney’s vessel stop and start to fall behind.
“And don’t forget to be careful of Quint. He has the amulet that I brought through with me. It’s one of his prized possessions so he won’t give it up without a lot of persuasion. He is trouble but knows more about the Sharinta systems and beyond than anyone. You will need to get that information and the amulet from him. The amulet has to be the key to opening the portal for you to get home,” Stoney finally said, just before Alienbutt hit the thrusters and shot forward.
The ship headed into open space before disappearing in a flash as it jumped to light speed. Alienbutt checked the flight data while absently sipping on a bottle of whiskey. Once happy he stood up and removed his butt plugs and placed them in a bowl of soapy water. Now would be a good time to give them a full service. While he waited for the plugs to soak, he pressed a couple of buttons on the replicator, and opening the hatch, lifted out the kebab that materialised. After all, he would need to test the butt plugs once they were cleaned. Sitting back down, he put his feet up onto the flight desk, farted out of his third arsehole and smiled as he began to eat. Finally he was heading home.
Alienbutt sat looking at the space station that was sitting in orbit above the planet. His first couple of stops had been uneventful, but here he was to meet with the trader called Quint, who Stoney had stressed was not entirely trustworthy. The space station was a large upturned cone with a large ring covered in solar panels attached by four struts to the point of the cone. Three large hangar bays were visible around the top of the station, but only two were lit up showing signs of occupancy. As he flew closer, his radio cracked to life.
“Unidentified craft, state your business and needs,” a deep female voice demanded.
“This is Commander Alienbutt of the Ick Imperial Navy. I’m just passing through this sector and I am looking to do some trading for supplies with the trader known as Quint,” Alienbutt responded, trying to sound official.
There was a pause before the woman responded. “There will be a security team awaiting your arrival in hangar two, and they will escort you to the offices of Quint. Follow the flight path that I am sending you now. Enjoy your visit.”
To be continued.
All images are mine.
