Leon Tucker, the fifth-year flying cadet was standing before the headmaster.
"Look," he was keeping his temper with gpeat difficulty, pique and pain boiling within him, "I've got the best result at final examinations! Other cadets got results second to mine and were offered the advanced course, and I'm appointed to the civilian fleet base! May I hear an explanation?"
The headmaster was looking at the young man with compassion, "I just don't understand this myself," he shrugged, "You have shown brilliant results, you meet all of their requirements. Usually they overlook successful students and send a request in advance. To be honest, I personally recommended you as the best candidate, but alas, you were refused.
"Rascals!" Leon slammed his fist on the table with fury, "But why? Hauling cargo in some remote port..." He grievingly shrugged his shoulders, "Why?"
***
Leon left the building of Flying Academy - cadet uniform and a small bag with personal belongings - now, after five years of study he must look for a way to earn his livelihood.
However, he wasn't thinking about possible job opportunities at the moment. He was still boiling with anger and pain, being unable to forget the way he was treated. He didn't understand why, If the headmaster says he personally recommended him as the best... Maybe there is something wrong with him? After all, they were never informed about the results of tests they were passing several times a year. Maybe the tests have shown something in him, in his character that he was unaware of? If the tests were sent to some higher authority, then the headmaster may not knew his faults. Nonetheless, they must at least explain why he was refused the advanced studies. And now he must put paid on his future and travel to some remote port to haul some stupid cargoes. No other choice. His fate is fixed for the next three years. Leon started to feel himself a looser.
In the space port he stopped near booking offices. He probably has to visit his home. He hasn't seen the mother for ages. He thought about her. After his sister disappeared as the father did many years ago, he became the only joy of his mother, her heart and soul. He must see her!
Furthermore, he had no urge to go to the service; he could allow himself to be a little late - the service won't go anywhere.
***
A hearty welcome awaited him at home. The mother was happy; she broke down and cried when she saw him on the threshold. He embraced her.
"You haven't flown?" asked she after calming herself, looking at her son with eyes wet of tears.
"No, Mom, I don't want to go there," he suddenly understood he is deeply averse to the very thought about his future job; "I don't want to go there. I have nothing to do there."
"I will ask in the office, maybe we could find something for you here."
"It is hardlv nossihle. Mom- nnhnrlv will pmnlnv mp withmit rpfprral "
"We'll see; I'm so happy you came."
He spent two weeks at home; he was so comfortable and happy that even a thought about the forthcoming departure was a torture for him. Besides, he met a girl - she was living in the neighborhood and was three years younger than him. Leon kept company with her, waiting with sorrow that day when it will become impossible to postpone the departure anymore. In case of not checking for service within a month after the standard arrival time the police will start searching for him.
This state of tedious waiting couldn't go unnoticed for people surrounding Leon. The mother understood everything, but he didn't tell Katy the cause of his tensions. However, once she happened to get the truth out of him.
They were at her place. After Leon told her about his misfortune, Katy started thinking.
"So you've got the best result at finals?"
Leon nodded.
"And you were refused the advanced course?"
"Exactly."
"I don't understand why."
Leon could just shrug.
***
The next day they met again, and Katy said, "You know, Leon, I told my brother about you, and he wants to have a talk with you."
"Why?" asked Leon indifferently.
"Well, he is connected with some space transportation company, and he became interested in you. I told him about your education and the result you've got at finals."
"He won't be able to employ me - I've got a quite clear appointment."
"He said he's able to arrange everything."
Leon looked at her with an interest, "Well, how?"
"I don't know. You should meet him."
"Well, let's try, but I think it's useless."
However, Katv's words insnired him with hone
Katy's brother was an unusual type about 10 years older than Leon. Katy introduced them, they shook hands, after what Katy left them alone.
"Katy told me you need a job." Her brother went right down to business.
"Maybe. What's the matter?"
"I have a certain business. We hire fellows with flying experience. The salary is high."
"I have no experience."
"Your education will be enough. If you want I'll fix you up, you won't regret it."
"And my contract?"
"Hey, listen!" Katy's brother stood up and gave him a smack on the shoulder, "That's nothing, Г11 arrange it."
"But still, how?"
Katy's brother looked at him, "Well, if you want to know - the space port chief officer is my friend. We'll arrange a transfer from one work place to another, that's all. But be warned, if you agree, don't try to quit with me and move somewhere else - we don't like it.
The offer was vague and tempting. Katy's brother wasn't an ordinary person - he was emanating power and authority of the kind Leon never met before.
"Give me some time to think. I'll tell you tomorrow, ok?"
"Agreed!"
And they shook hands.
Katy was waiting for him in the street. "How goes it?" she asked.
"He offered me a job, and I asked him to give me some time to think over it, till tomorrow. I think I will agree."
"Great!" she drew her hand through his arm, "My brother told me it is very difficult to be enrolled with them, so I think he liked you."
"What does he do?"
"I don't know," said Katy honestly, "but he makes big money. To be modest is just his image.'*
***
"Katy's brother has offered me a job," said he to his mother at home, "and promised to arrange for a transfer."
"What he's eneaped in1?" ячкеН she
"Some commercial operations, it really doesn't matter, Mom, it is much better than being locked up in some God forgotten place for three years. At least this is a good opportunity to earn money."
"Well, I don't know. Choose for yourself. 1 failed to push your case through in the office."
"I told you - it's hopeless, nobody will deal with a cadet."
"So what about that guy, how it comes he agrees to have dealings with you?"
"He says he has connections, so it's easy for him to arrange this."
"Is it dangerous?"
"Гт not sure, but 1 think no. They need highly trained professionals, as I have understood. I suit them fine, so they agree to set things right. Look, Mom, this is business - they probably have great possibilities."
"Are you going to say yes to them?"
"Yes," said Leon, "I think yes."
* The next day Leon again met Katy's brother.
"What's your decision, Leon?" asked he.
"I agree," answered Leon.
"Great. The transport ship is leaving in two days. Are you ready for the flight?"
"Quite well."
"Then wind up all your private matters, I'm waiting for you in two days," he stood up and gave a hand to Leon, "Good luck."
***
Two days later Leon again came to Katy's brother's place. Besides the boss there were two other men in the room.
"This is Leon, your relief pilot," Katy's brother introduced him to others, "This is Andy, the pilot, he will put you up to the ropes. This is Mac, the cargo supervisor."
"And my papers?" asked Leon.
"Hell, yes, give me your appointment papers, I will arrange for a transfer."
Leon didn't understand much, but he didn't want to retreat either.
"What's our destination?" asked he another question.
"Tenga. Andy will tell you everything on the way."
Then the three men started to discuss minor details of the flight ahead; Leon understood very little from that conversation. After giving final instructions Katy's brother took appointment papers from Leon and said, "That's all. Good luck. You are supposed to be back in a month. Mac, report to me after arrival at destination point." Katy's brother shook hands with them and closed the door.
***
Leon and Andy were sitting in the flying chairs on the bridge. Andy was busy with the ship's controls. After flying past all guard posts and entering open space Andy started boosters, waited for the ship to gain the required speed, drove she into the subspace and turned on the autopilot. Then he asked Leon,,"Where did you work earlier?"
"I never worked before, I was studying."
"Really? Were?"
Leon told him about the Flying Academy.
"Cool," said Andy. "How did you manage to get to us?"
* Leon explained.
"Strike me pink," said Andy, "so you were refused the advanced course! Rats! I wonder what dissatisfied them?"
"I don't know." replied Leon, "maybe this happened because of my sister."
"You've got a sister?"
"Yes, she also has graduated from the Flying Academy, then she went through the advanced course, and was enrolled in the Intelligence. Afterwards she disappeared. We were sending requests, but the information regarding her is secret."
"Oh well then this is quite possible," said Andy, "If she did some mischief, and you are her brother, then you can forget about the advanced course, the Intelligence and all."
"We are going to Tenga?" Leon switched the conversation.
"Yes, and then we'll call another port - we have to take some cargo from there."
"What are we transporting?"
"A little bit of this, a little bit of that - clothing, food, some other goods. This is Mac's headache - to ensure the cargo is properly delivered and in perfect condition - Thor pays him for that."
"Who's Thor?"
"Our boss."
"That's his name?"
"No, we are calling him like that. Everybody addresses him like that. He's a tough guy. He has connections with colonies, but he has other fellows flying there. I have never been there, but I don't want to go there anyway. Colonies are like the Wild West. You can easily loose both ship and cargo. I don't remember we have ever lost a ship, but rumor goes that if three ships out of ten are lost, it's ok."
"How long are you working for Thor?"
"Six months already. Why are you asking?"
"Just curious. How much does he pay?"
"It depends: different routes, different salary. Usually about five thousands. Once I made twenty, but that was a difficult route, and we were loading three times. There is no other place to earn so much money. The transport companies are paying fixed wages, and with all bonuses it makes about two thousands. If you sign a contract, then you'll get even less - in this case you'll be paying also for food and lodging and see almost no money in the end. So here it's ok, life is good here," concluded he the conversation.
They arrived on Tenga in time and started to unload cargo. Mac was very busy controlling the unloading process, settling matters with customs officers, he even disappeared for several days a couple of times. Leon was killing time by hazing about the city and eying Tengians. Then they left for Perey, the blue star of third magnitude. There they have received some crates and retraced their course. On their way back there was nothing to talk with Andy about. Andy was the first class pilot - this was obvious. He had the navigation at his fingertips, and apparently there was no route he hasn't flown. Although Leon was quite tired of his chatter, Andy didn't provoke antipathy in him. Leon understood he makes a bad companion for Andy, being completely observed in own thoughts. The world around him continued to be interesting for him, but simultaneously he felt the world doesn't need him; nothing would change in case he refused to participate in this voyage. The picture presented to him by Andy didn't allure him. Flying one route after another to earn big money - he wasn't interested in that. He was already regretting he agreed to work for Thor and decided that after return he will explain Thor that he has changed his mind. If it is not late, it would be better for him to return to the service, work there for three years, and then... who knows what could happen over three years?
On return Thor paid them generously. Leon received four thousands. He took the money, thanked Thor and said him, "Thor, I need to talk to you."
"What's the matter?" quickly asked Thor.
"Have you effected my transfer?"
"Not yet, but don't worry, they were informed you will come later, so nobody will look for you. What happened?"
"Thor. I cannot work for you. Thank you for money, but speaking honestly I don't think I earned them." and he held forth the banknotes back to Thor.
"Wait, I'll speak to you," said Thor, "I just have to finish with Mac. Will you wait?"
Leon nodded.
When Mac left, Thor made coffee for them. He pointed Leon at a chair, and sat down in another,
standing opposite to Leon's. *
"Leon," started.Thor, "I never thought you would agree to be a pilot on a ship carrying cargo from one planet to another. You could easily do the same at your service. You are attracted by something other than this, right?"
"Right," nodded Leon.
"I made inquiries. You were refused the advanced course because of Liz, right?"
Leon nodded again, ^'1 think so."
"Do you know what happened with her?"
"No," said Leon.
"She tried to hack into the central intelligence database and find there the information about her father," began Thor the narration, "classified information, thus breaking several restrictions. And the discipline in the intelligence is severe. They were going to put her in jail - it's a dark story -they filed some case. The girl was only 23, but she managed to understand she is being forced into something fishy, so she seized a warship and escaped. Afterwards she tried to find a shelter with pirates and managed to get on common ground with them. There is some Andrew the Handsome, you probably don't know about him, but he is the most powerful leader in colonies, all other leaders defer to him. Andrew offered her a deal; he said she could be the best in the colonies if she wished. She was unprepared for such a turn of events and left the colonies. Then she disappeared. But that wasn't the Intelligence that captured her - they are still raging that Liz managed to get past the ships waiting for her. Later "The Arrow" came back and surrendered, but the crew was innocent - they just followed the orders of the chief officer and they were acquitted. The crew told that Liz has left the Milky Way on Geruls' ship.
"Very little is known about Geruls - they are not from our galaxy. Their ships are better than any ship built by Earthmen so far. They are aggressive and all engagements with them ended up in our defeat. Their ships are difficult to detect and they are using weapons superior to ours. Nobody knows how "The Arrow" escaped the death and how Liz managed to hit it off with them. Liz is a wonderful girl. You are her brother and I'm interested in you."
Leon was silent, thinking over the information he has just received from Thor. Everything seemed to stack seamlessly.
"Now, if you are ready, let's continue," said Thor.
Leon made himself more comfortable in the chair and nodded.
"I'm dealing with many planets from pirate colonies. The situation there is not very stable. Stability - no, that's not the word!" Thor stood up and began to pace the floor in agitation. "There is a wild world, chaos. Primitive society armed with modern weaponry and best warships. All the waste produced by the Earthmen's world is flowing down there. War criminals, criminal leaders and plain scum that is unable to find a place for themselves here - that world offers them
great opportunities. It is a cruel world; in order to survive there, one must have more than a single row of teeth.
"They are living there following their own monstrous laws, or, rather, there is only one law -power and cruelty. The cunning also, but without the first two the cunning is completely useless as one will be ran through in the very first port.
"Well, at the moment there is no leader there. There were times when Andrew the Handsome was the most powerful, but the situation in colonies changed. All clans are powerful, constantly quarrelling between themselves.
"I'm interested in that place. I want you to go there and become my sword-arm."
Thor cast a glance upon Leon and explained. "My people are a mob of fools and cowards. Look, they are excellent specialists, moreover, they are the best - Vm hiring only tested professionals. But this work demands something or somebody outstanding, somebody like Liz, if things 1 know about her are true. I will tell you more, Leon, I see nobody equal to me, and you could become a peer to myself. Think about it."
Leon was listening to Thor, perplexed. The outlooks drawn by his words amazed him. Authority and power emanating from Thor attracted him, and Leon had a deep feeling that he would like to become like Thor. Colonies were giving him such an opportunity.
"Thor," said he, deliberating, "are you sure you don't overestimate my potential?"
"If I mistake you," said Thor, "you'll not survive there."
"So there is no risk in it for me," added he.
Chapter 2
The ship was heading towards the world of pirate colonies. It was a powerful battleship, the flagman in a small squadron of three ships. Besides Leon, there were seventeen men in the crew plus his bodyguard Mikie, large as a bull. Thor ordered Mikie to protect Leon, and now Mikie followed Leon as a tail, not leaving him out of sight even for a moment. Because of gigantic, made of tough muscles hands and shoulders Mikie was looking like a monster. Heavy blaster was hanging on his waist belt, but the crewmembers were saying that Mikie"s favorite weapon was a knife, and in hand-to-hand combat he made a dreadful opponent to whom there were no equals. Mikie wasn't saying a word. Leon too wasn't talking to him. After one futile attempt to get from Mikie an answer to a simple question Leon understood that objectives put before Mikie are specific and limited. The other two ships were to provide increased security to Leon in his voyage. Leon's objective was to get a foothold in colonies and create a base for expansion of Thor's activity - Leon still had very vague understanding of Thor's business. He remembered the last conversation wijh Thor before the take-off.
"First call at Vergus, there is one Dick the Fierce guy, make an appointment with him," instructed Thor, "Tell him we have a laser installation, he was interested in it. It's new, just taken form the orbital station, where it was substituted for a newer model. I will give you the characteristics. Anyway, get acquainted with him, you will deal with him afterwards, so you'd better have good relations with him from the very beginning. Then go to the base, it is located on the outskirts of the colonies world; it's far from the center, but in the quiet corner. From there contact me, and we'll decide what to do next. I have big plans. Pirates need weaponry, and I'm able to provide just about anything. We can get metals and fuel from them for a ridiculous price -two or three times less than in the internal market or in the Free Worlds."
"I'll give you three ships to visit Dick," continued Thor, "two cruisers and a battleship -just in case. I'm known in colonies, but it doesn't harm - to demonstrate the power yet another time. The crew is experienced, they are professionals, so they will cover you if something would go wrong. Mikie will be your bodyguard - such is the custom of that world. Don't appear on public alone, take armed people with you when you'll go to meet Dick. There are additional crewmembers and ships at the base. Some of them are in need of repairs. Use the money received from Dick as needed - you have to maintain ships and pay people for work. From now on you'll be responsible for that. A couple of months later I will visit the base. Until then study the situation, understand it and get accustomed to it."
After entering the domain of Dick the Fierce, Leon contacted him using the code given by Thor.
"Who's that?" was the answer.
"Dick, I'm from Thor. I would like to meet with you. Where are you?" Leon didn't know how to speak to a pirate.
"Go to the planet Тага, it's near Trila, write down the bearings." Dick started to dictate numbers.
Trila was the blue star of the third magnitude. A couple of days later they arrived at the meeting point and Leon again contacted Dick, "Dick, I'm here."
"I'm waiting for you in the space port in an hour." said Dick and slammed down the receiver.
Leon again and again was trying to understand how he is supposed to behave. Time after time he was remembering Thor's words, but he had no experience in this matter, and Thor's words
couldn't give him an idea. Finally he decided to act like Thor - speak only about the business, and as little as possible. He took six well-armed men with him and Mikie. Mikie had only hand blaster and a knife, but he appeared so powerful that it seemed he is able to substitute the other six. In hand-to-hand combat this probably would be true.
"Mikie," said Leon to him, "be careful. 1 don't think something would happen, but anyway." Mikie looked at Leon with a glum face and nodded - he understood the task. They got aboard a cutter and left ship for the surface. The orbiting ships were instructed to be on the alert and stay tuned up.
Dick's men were waiting for them in the port. Dick the Fierce wasn't among them. Leon was looking at them with interest. They were well-armed, confident types. Their behavior, gestures, intonation, everything showed they are masters of the planet. Besides, they were Dick's personal guards, and Dick was the most powerful man in the near space. It was obvious they are chosen professionals. Guards attentively scanned Leon's company and their eyes stopped on Leon and Mikie. Mikie was attracting attention - he was a head taller than anybody else and twice broader in shoulders. Mikie scanned the guards and moved up to Leon. One of the guards, a short man in his early thirties stepped forward and addressed Leon, "Dick will be waiting for you in the city in an hour." Leon nodded. "Come with us," said the man, turning around and heading towards the exit. Leon followed him, then Mikie and other companions, then the guards making the half-circle. Leon noted everything, but didn't attach importance to it. He didn't know the rules and therefore didn't want to jump to conclusions, accepting everything as it is for now. They were seated in a van; Dick's guards occupied two cars. All the three vehicles headed for the city. The planet Тага was gaunt and rocky. In the bright rays of setting blue sun the objects looked gray and merging. The vegetation was absent. The distance from the planet to the star was significant and in the evening the temperature usually fell to zero degrees centigrade. This was an industrial planet with urban culture - all the population lived in several big cities.
Cars arrived in the city. After some time they left the central street and went down a small lane up to a low gray building. Dick's people left their cars and formed a half-circle near the van. Leon and his men also left the vehicle. There was nobody else in the street. Mikie stayed close to Leon, being unusually watchful. Leon looked at the man who addressed him in the spaceport, but the guy wasn't looking at him. Several minutes passed. Finally at the other end of the lane three cars appeared. They came closer and stopped. Dick the Fierce stepped out of the first car and about ten guards appeared from his car and from the rest. Dick the Fierce was a large man in his forties.
Dick looked at Leon, "Ha! Look! Here comes the Thor's sucker!" Dick's face started to fill with blood, reminding Leon of snout of a wild boar. Dick's little eyes bit into Leon's face. "Thor sent him for negotiations, sitting in the metros thinking he's tough! He's shit!" And he swore a profane oath.
Then he gave an order. Before Leon was able to understand anything weapons magically appeared in the arms of Dick's guards. Mikie, who was standing behind Leon, made a movement. Blasters started blazing from all sides, Leon heard the clack of discharges and felt the smell of burning clothes and flesh - Dick's men opened fire. Then the fire stopped. Leon was standing alone near the damaged car. He looked around - his people were dead. Mikie was also dead; he failed to jack out his blaster. Leon looked at pirates who surrounded him - these were scarred people hardened in numerous fights. He had no chance - they were seeing through him. There were no movement, no thought they would not notice. Leon didn't understand why he is still alive. He raised his eyes and looked around. Pirates were not going to kill him, at least now. He thought, "Hell, my dignity is higher than death!" and raised his head. Pirates caught this
change. A powerful blow from behind in the nape has thrown him on the ground - Leon had not enough time to understand what's happening. The next blow was in the face. Guards started to beat him with legs and gun-butts. He first tried to cover himself, but then started to loose consciousness. Finally the consciousness left him completely and he dipped in the darkness. He regained his senses because somebody was pushing him in the side with a leg. He barely opened his eyelids and saw Dick the Fierce looking at him. "Tell Thor, you brat," said Dick, "the accounts are settled now. If he'll appear here once more, he'll be dead." The next blow sent Leon in the darkness again.
He came to himself because he became cold. A thin layer of snow was lying on the ground. It was dark. He looked around - deformed and burned bodies of his people were lying in places where death reached them. The corpses were cold already. It was clear, he has to get out of here, and he is alive only as a message to Thor. Leon stood up. He searched Mikie's body -just in case - there were no weapons. He went down the street. Apparently he appeared horrendous, as those few passers-by he ruet hurried to give him a road. He reached the spaceport only in the morning.
After getting to the ship he examined himself. Deep wounds on his face and head were still bleeding; his clothes and he himself were in blood. The nose was broken and pressed into the face. Some bones were broken too, as the whole body was in pain. Surrendering to the surgeon, he ordered to leave this system.
Wounds healed in two weeks, broken bones knitted in a month. Leon spent this time at the base on the planet Little, thinking over his life. The second day after leaving Тага he called for Tim, Thor's weapon-hand before him.
"I have to know everything about Thor's business and about colonies," said Leon to Tim.
The conversation was very long. Tim spent about two days initiating Leon in the subtleties of colony life and Thor's connections. Finally Leon got the following picture.
Pirate colonies were scattered worlds in the star cluster X4X in the fifth sector of the galaxy. As they were not a part of the Earth world, the Earth laws were not effective there. The Earth government did not forbid dealings with colonies, so the trade with them was not persecuted. Thus colonies were attracting merchants who were ready to risk for big profits. Planets of the colonies world were populated by a third, but conditions on many of them were unsuitable for people to live. On the majority of planets the air was ill suited for breathing and people lived either in subterranean cities or in leakproof buildings connected with the other buildings by tubes, thus forming cities. The economy of colonies was mainly based on extraction of mineral resources and trade with the free worlds and Earthmen. The common workforce at mines were slaves, as frequent raids provided a steady flow of new slaves in place of dead - the death rate among slaves was very high. Raiding and plundering besides extraction of ores and production of metals was the second main business of pirates they were not hesitating to resort to. The profit of raiding, although unstable, was easy and rich. Ships, slaves, luxuries, weapons - all of these were prompting to new raids.
The chaotic world of colonies was under the informal rule of several clans. Within clans there was a complicated system of half-clannish, half-business links and subordination. Junior relatives usually parted with senior. Those who were wealthier, thus luckier, were attracting under their patronage those who were poorer. In their turn, these influential persons were subordinate to the much more wealthier people, who were more powerful leaders. On the top of this pyramid was only one leader - the boss, who has proven his right to power by mind, strength and cruelty. The usual way to the supreme power in a clan was lying through cruel fights with
other competitors - other clan leaders. After being acknowledged by the other clan leaders he received the acknowledgement of all people of the clan. The more powerful a clan leader was, the more lands were subordinate to him, and the more resources at his disposal he had. On the other hand this imposed a responsibility upon him - he should be ready to defend any small and far off planet from neighbors' raids. However, as military forces inside clans were not systematically organized and often acted independently of each other in a chaotic manner, there was no threat warning system. These forces were unified only in the case when the supreme leader decided to attack neighbors or to go in the open space to hunt down ships from the Earth and the Free Worlds. But even in that case not all sub-clan groups were able to participate. Sometimes their leaders simply didn't know about the upcoming campaign, sometimes they had their own considerations and decided not to participate. As the clan consisted of many such groups, much depended on the sweet will of the group leader. Although usually nobody of them was claiming the supreme position, in case the clan leader would made all other clan leaders upset, they would easily overthrow him. Such was the balance of power in any clan.
Peripheral planets located within the sphere of influence of two or more clans were in the most pitiful situation. These planets were the usual raiding targets, changing hands often. The life of the inhabitants of these planets was difficult as each raid ended in plundering and violence. Therefore border planets, if only they didn't have deposits of precious resources, were usually deserted places. The pirates often used them as a place for interclan meetings. In this case leaders of two or more clans arrived there accompanied with armed guards. The number of guards was usually fixed beforehand, although such agreements were rather factitious and were continuously violated by all. On the planet's surface, covered by their orbiting ships, clan leaders were settling their matters. Sometimes such meetings ended in a fight, where one of the leaders was killed. In this case his people were either killed or enslaved. A clan, deprived of its leader, quickly weakened, and became a target for neighbor's raids. Such a clan continued to weaken and fall apart until the appearance of strong and clever person from deep of the clan who was able to pave its road with the dead bodies of fellow clan members, and unite the clan, ruthlessly killing all competitors.
Although the space within the star cluster was divided between clans and the borders were more or less stable, there still were unoccupied territories, with stars and their corresponding planets. Usually such planets were ill suited for life and stayed deserted. But sometimes they remained empty only because of the distance from the center, otherwise having quite suitable conditions for life. On the surface of one of such planets Thor founded his base, and Leon was heading there after the meeting with Dick the Fierce.
After arrival at the base Leon didn't contact Thor. He decided first to study out the situation. From the inside the world of colonies appeared different than from the metros - this was the name given by pirates to the Earth civilization. Despite its frightening wildness and cruelty it was a balanced, dynamically developing society, going through the stage of early feudalism. Leon was quite able to understand that. After understanding the status quo and accepting the rules, it was possible to achieve much in this world. Everything depended on the person: his abilities, intelligence, character and the way he would behave.
Leon clearly understood that. But his first contact with the elite of this world nearly ended with death. Therefore he had to understand what provoked this aggression, as the beast bites only when feels a threat. And also he had to learn how to react the way they do - quickly, pluckily and aggressively.
Apparently Thor was a nobody here, despised as a merchant from Earth, thought of as a coward and a punk. What's his mistake? That he tries to build up business relations with colonies
according to the principles dominating the society of Earthmen and the Free Worlds - the profit from a deal. But pirates consider profit only until a more powerful stimulus would appear -feeling of a threat, offended pride, and a possibility to get even more profit -just to keep goods and give nothing in return. Thor anyway wouldn't come here to deal with the offender, and if he would come - it would be his last space trip. Got it! It looked like Leon finally found the truth. What Dick was saying about settling accounts? "The accounts are now settled?'* If Thor would be indebted to Dick, Leon would be dead. Probably Dick is indebted to Thor and misunderstood Leon as a debt collector. So Dick the fierce replied according to his nick - killed Thor's people to show he doesn't want to deal with Thor anymore. "Well Dick, I appreciate you didn't kill me together with others," thought Leon, "And Thor..." Leon paused. "Thor got me in wrong by sending to Dick. He should at least explain what's going on. And I should understand where I'm going. Well, Thor, I need you at the moment, but this I will remember also."
"One should count only on one's own self- this is probably the rule number one. Neither bodyguards nor the authority of the person one is representing would save him if he's weak and diffident. I should trust only myself, and I should count only on myself- I've got that. And second thing -1 need an army of my people, who would depend on me and carry out all my orders. At the moment I have nothing."
After a couple of days of thoughts and rest Leon came to a decision. Yes! He will try it, as he has nothing to loose. Leon called for Tim.
"Tim." said Leon, "I'm saying it once. Get it to others, this is an order. No contacts with Thor. No answers to inquiries. I am taking decisions here. Not even a movement without my permission. Is it clear?"
"Well, but you should report..."
"I should nothing," Leon interrupted him, "You are serving me and this is my base. Gather people and make them understand. Then come to me."
"Well, as you wish," Tim turned around and headed for the door.
Leon raised from his seat and called him, "Tim, when the laser installation arrives?"
After this incident Leon spent a month reinforcing the base and outfitting ships. He could pay people only partially, the rest he promised to pay after the campaign. He wasn't hiding that he is going to raid pirate colonies, but he told no one the details of the upcoming raid. He made Tim his sword-hand and Tim was quite effective. They mounted the laser installation at the base - it was next-to-last model, able to track and fire at couple of dozens of targets. It was powerful enough to keep a small fleet. Leon decided not to leave ships at base - one or two cruisers would do nothing against a numerous attacking ships. With the laser installation the base was able to defend itself from single raiders and small squadrons. Ships were repaired, outfitted and manned. "Thor said they are professionals. Well, let's see." His fleet now counted 15 ships, 9 of them being fast cruisers. "Great. It's enough for the beginning," the last few days Leon spent mainly thinking. He spoke to no one, just giving brief and clear orders to Tim. The day before leaving he called Tim and started to ask him about neighbors and their domains. Three territories were adjoining to his: domains of Dick the Fierce, Nelsius the Noble and Bob the Bonehead. Dick was the most powerful, and Nelsius and Bob were more or less equal. Leon decided to move forward the domains of Nelsius and Bob, and then decide who would be the first. Now, when the target was selected, it is required to develop a tactic. But Leon decided that the situation would tell him how to act. Before the take-off he gathered captains and instructed them what to do during the
raid. The captains were real professionals and understood him easily. Some of them earlier participated in fights with pirates, and two even commanded pirate ships. "We'll see how they will act in danger," thought Leon.
He experienced mixed feelings. From one "side, his venture, from the point of an ordinary person, was futile. His squad wasn't large, and what was more important, he himself wasn't battle-seasoned, the captains had no battle experience, many of them were just hauling cargo, although under threat of fighting pirates. The equal squad of pirate ships would be more battle-ready, mobile and interfaced. Leon understood that, but he felt something within, he wanted to test himself. The offence, made by Dick, slashed him. He was shown his place, he was called a punk. "All of them, they are thinking anyone besides them is a coward, a loser. Well, let's see if this is true."
The next morning Leon fixed the target - it would be Nelsius the Noble. "I'll start with him," decided Leon, "Whether he is noble or not, I will know soon." And he ordered to take off.
Chapter 3
Leon was standing near the holographic chart of this sector of the star cluster. He was thinking. Broad domain of Nelsius the Noble was stretching right ahead of them. The course was set to his capital - Perseekee, a planet rich with natural resources near a small yellow sun. The climate of this planet was the most suitable for people. Defended by bases located on its four satellites, the planet nonetheless was not posing a threat to a small Leon's squadron, if they will act according to his plan. However, even without going deep into Nelsius' territory it was possible to find many rich planets and easily conquer them, whereat their economy will automatically start working for Leon. But in the latter case the surprise factor wouldn't be used to full capacity.
What to do? It is possible to increase own military strength by capturing enemy ships and establishing own bases on Nelsius' planets. However, in this way he would attract Nelsius' attention and get immediate response from him. Nelsius in no time would gather a military force superior to the force.gathered by Leon. Besides, captured ships wouldn't fight against Nelsius for Leon if their crews would feel Leon's weakness.
Maybe he should go directly to the capital. But even if Leon would make away with Nelsius in his own home - Leon seriously doubted it is possible - that wouldn't mean the clan would recognize him. Faction leaders would eliminate him as a dangerous competitor and intruder.
Leon couldn't come to a decision. His ships stopped, floating in space waiting for a signal that should come from the brain center of the squadron - the captain's room on the flagman.
4
Ginger Tibar was a leader of the groupment on Semge - big orange sun with six planets, three of which were settled. It was the outskirt of the domain of Nelsius the Noble, very often raided in the past, therefore Tibar was here. Tibar was a mature space dog, who came through numerous fights both in space and on the surface, and there was nothing that could frighten him. Even Nelsius the Noble, feared by everyone, being famous for cleverness and cruelty, was not frightening Tibalt. After being enslaved in the age of nineteen, Tibar went through a hard slave life, first at mines of Scott the Wild, then in a sand desert on one of planets of Semge, where slaves were building a spaceport. This planet was located near the sun, and during the day the temperature of its surface was rising up to one hundred degrees centigrade; enveiling hot air burned the body from inside and outside, and rays of the orange sun burned the skin. They were working in four shifts by six hours, because the spaceport was urgently needed, as at the time Nelsius had tensions with Dick the Fierce, his nearest neighbor. It was possible to work at night, but during the day slaves, exhausted by toil and lack of food and sleep, were dying numerously. Their bodies, dried up by the sun, were soon thrown in ditches and grouted in concrete. They were displaced by new doomed slaves that were sent to Semge in great numbers.
Tibar outlasted everybody else. Once, mad and unable to think, he was walking in the column with other slaves, returning from the day shift, when he was hit in the back with something hard. Guards were constantly beating the slaves. Tibar, as everybody else, was accustomed to this, and had almost no reaction to pain. But this time something went off within him. This was probably caused by a feeling of close death, and he didn't care how it will come to him. He turned around, caught guard's hand that was ready for the next blow, and with the free hand he screwed the guard's neck. Then he took a paralyzer from the guard's belt. Other guards noticed what has happened and started to jostle through a crowd of slaves. A gunplay has started, in which Tibar should likely be killed, but suddenly lamblike mass of slaves moved, became active, and soon the guards were dead. After that the spaceport was seized by rebellious slaves and Tibar was leading this rebellion. Any other ruler in this situation would drown the rebellion in blood by sending a punitive expedition. But Nelsius the Noble did otherwise. He sent his chief officer, Derg, for negotiations with Tibar, and Derg on behalf of Nelsius proposed him to become a head of the groupment on Semge. Tibar agreed, and slaves devoid of their leader returned to work. Nobody was punished. The only victims were those killed during the rebellion.
Six years of slavery have taught Tibar to value and not value the life simultaneously. Now he was taking from life everything his rank and power would allow, but if a fight would happen somewhere, without any hesitation Tibar would jump into the fight and risk his life, and the scars all over his body and face were a testimony to that.
Ginger Tibar was sitting in his office. The alert signal appeared on the monitor - radar stations on asteroids indicated that near Semge, from the side of open space, several ships jumped out of the subspace. Tibar g azednto the holographic chart of his system: there were six ships, six heavy battleships - io colonies ships of this type were mainly used for transportation of goods. A feeling of relief immediately came over him, but it was too early to relax - he has to check to whom this convoy belongs and what they are doing here. He hasn't received any information from Nelsius. Tibarurned to comm console and made an inquiry. Simultaneously he ordered his ships to be on the alert. Monitor started to blink - it was incoming transmission from strangers, "THOR'S TRANSPORTS ARE ASKING FOR PERMISSION TO ENTER SEMGE SYSTEM. WE WANT TO BUY FUEL. VOLUME..." Tibar straightened his back: it's clear, they are merchants traveling in a group looking for an opportunity to strike a bargain. Battleships has space for cargo, but in terms of weapons and shields they are men-of-war - an optimal configuration for traveling in colonies. Tibar knew Thor, this merchant from the metros, who have dealings with Nelsius. Ok, he just needs to call Nelsius to ask him about the price for goods the merchants want to buy. The next moment another alert signal appeared on the monitor -radars showed another group of ships, this time they were cruisers. Cruisers appeared from the opposite side from battleships and opened fire. Several Tibalf s ships were immediately shot down. Tibar understood everything. It was a trap. Merchants distracted his attention and he missed the danger. He smashed the button of general alert with a fist. The monitor went out, and the signal wasn't received by anybody.
Connection was broken and now Tibar didn't know what's going on in the orbit. He grabbed a laser rifle and ran to the landing field - he wasn't going to wait till somebody will come after him. He was running down corridors, and armed people were joining him. When Tibar made it to the field, the guests were already landing: one cruiser was near the surface, two other cruisers were covering her from above - Tibar sighted their silhouettes floating in the air. The cruiser landed and lowered the ladder. A group of armed people, about ten men, went down the stairs. Tibar s group was several times as much. People from the cruiser came closer and a young man came forward - his face was covered with awful scars - much like Tibar's.
The young man addressed him, "Ginger Tibar, I'm Leon. The Semge system is occupied by my men. I suggest you to cooperate with me," he looked into Tibar s eyes and grinned. "I will sort this out with Nelsius."
Leon was satisfied with the Semge operation. His reckoning was right - battleships acting as merchantmen attracted the attention of Semge Command and drew patrol cruisers. The patrol cruisers were not ready for an attack from the rear and were caught in a trap, being blocked between six heavy battleships and a dozen of cruisers. The opponent had very small room for maneuvering, and he had almost no time. Several ships had to be destroyed to show the hopelessness of the situation to the others and to have them surrendered. But his greatest success was in that they managed to destroy the communication station. Now after a conversation with
Tibar Leon was completely sure Perseekee didn't receive any message from Semge. Another important success was that Tibar agreed to cooperate. Actually he did it in the situation when he had no other choice - he and his people were standing in front of guns of two cruisers floating above the field. Tibar with his people would be evaporated if they would even thought about resistance. But Tibar accepted Leon, and Leon saw it. Tibar was one of the key figures in Nelsius team and Leon was happy he managed to settle with him. Of course, Tibar was far from being loyal, but Leon was satisfied even with that. He was sure Tibar wouldn't hit him in the back. Leon let him to continue his duties as a leader of Semge grouping and gave him detailed instructions on how Tibar should act in various situations.
"I will take all the ships - you won't need them. Don't communicate with Nelsius. Don't answer his calls - let's keep them in ignorance as long as possible. After a while Nelsius will send a cruiser or several cruisers for investigation. Don't communicate with them. If they will land -capture or destroy them. Nobody must leave Semge system with information about me. At least for now. I think the tjme they will need to understand anything and get to here will be enough for me. This means one or two weeks. If something will go wrong I'll inform you. Then start to cover up the tracks. My call signal will be "Tir".
Then he met commanders of survived ships - there were about twenty of them. The majority was not participating in the battle - their ships were landed and had no time to take off. Leon told them, "I suggest you cooperate with me or die. Either die or be enslaved, in any case you will loose everything you have. Decide right now."
The commanders were silent. "Well that's a good choice you're offering us, Leon the Cruel,""a woman came forward, "The absence of any! What are you going to do with Nelsius? He'll reduce you to dust the moment he will knew about what has happened here."
Leon looked at her. She was short, about thirty - apparently a commander of a cruiser. "That's a good question, although premature," he answered her, "What's your name?" - "Inette." - "First, Inette, decide whether you're with me." - "Of course I'm with you, Leon, and I think everybody will make the same decision, at least it's better than slavery. Right?" she turned to other commanders. They started nodding their heads in agreement, murmuring in accord.
"Then listen," Leon again addressed them, "Later I will talk personally with everybody who will decide to join me. I want to tell you, make your own choice. If you're with me, then you are loyal to me. I don't need anybody who will join me out of fear of death. Those who work for me risk their lives ten times more than simple slaves. Moreover, anyone not ready to risk will be handed over to Tibaa," Leon grinned, "I hope he will find a not-so-hard work for you."
Chapter 5
Admiral Stess was studying the information he had just received through the spy ring. The Center urgently requested a report on the situation in colonies. The request was sudden, as there was a reporting schedule, and "Christa" was regularly sending updates. Well, if the Center urgently needs information, then at least he has to look through recent messages and data received yesterday. However, it would be even better to study the information obtained since the last reporting, and Stess asked for messages received within the last few months. He was slowly turning pages, and gradually a clear picture started to appear in his mind; he started to understand what could attract the attention of the Center. During the last months the situation changed significantly. This became clear only now - until now the odd bits of information couldn't be put together to form a clear picture. Probably the analytics in the Center came to the same conclusion - this could explain the Center's request. Apparently the pirates finally put an end to internal discords and were preparing, but preparing to what? The messages showed the clans were increasing their military strength in a fast pace: their aggregate fleet within the recent months increased twice. What could cause this military explosion? And, the clans had practically stopped raiding planets and ships of their neighbors - this could show the unwillingness to risk their ships for the sake of uncertain and unstable profit. Instead of this the pirates were investing all their resources in business deals with the Free Worlds and were receiving first class armament and warships from them. "Damn!" swore Stess, "This is happening right under my very nose, in the sector where I am responsible for the security!" If the colonies are preparing for something, he has to know for what exactly they are preparing. Stess started to study the messages from the very beginning - he has to find what had put an end to inter-clan quarrels and forced them to fix upon reinforcing their defenses and increasing the combativity of their fleets. It seemed very unlikely they were acting on the grounds of the common agreement - their actions were chaotic, but as it is usual in the isolated worlds, these chaotic activities soon became a tendency, and how will that come off, only God knows. There should be a cause, something that played a role of the initial impetus - everything was happening too quickly to look natural. There is a cause, and he will find it!
Admiral finished reading a message and took another one that was one month old. It was a file on some clan leader, Leon the Mighty. The admiral had never heard about him and was interested. Why he had received such a name? In the pirate world any nickname was reflecting the character and personality of its bearer, and no one could just have this or that name. His characteristics followed: cold, hard-headed, bright strategist and tactician. Won numerous battles. Is afraid of nothing and nobody. Spares his people. Cruelly disposes of anyone standing in his way. At present has much authority with pirates. He is afraid of and respected for his ability to survive in the most hopeless situations. Gained his nickname after killing hand-to-hand Scott the Wild, famous for his ferocity and rampageous character. Scott's people joined Leon, although he didn't demand that threatening with execution or enslaving, which was the general practice in pirate circles.
"Got it!" admiral Stess stopped reading and moved papers off. Then he stood up and started to pace the floor. It appears he has found the clue, which of course should be checked and proved, but the intuition was telling him this is the person he was looking for. Well, if the intuition is not cheating him, things are as follows: under their very nose, a boy has grown up out of nothing, and within the shortest period of time occupied the leading position in the colonies - there was nothing alike since the times of Andrew the Handsome. But Andrew was just a cruel and tyrannical bandit without any far-going plans, he was quite satisfied with the role of colonies' leader. He felt himself as the master of life, and was quite happy with that. However, if the appearance of that boy caused such a boiling reaction, anything could happen. Now it is clear why the other leaders were arming themselves in a hurry - they were feeling a threat emanating
from that Leon boy. Probably he is that very person whose inevitable appearance was expected. The leader who will be able to unite colonies by iron hand and use them as a tool for implementation of his ambitious plans. Stess paused - he must obtain a detailed information on that Leon - who is he, where he is coming from, who are his relatives and friends - Leon is not an ordinary person and it would be nice to knovv his weak points beforehand.
The aide-de-camp has brought him a new message, this time from the Center. The subject again was the colonies. Stess read the decipher:
ATTENTION ADMIRAL STESS! REGARDING SITUATION IN COLONIES PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO LEON TUCKER NICKNAME MIGHTY 22 YEARS OLD. SON OF ANTHONY TUCKER. GRADUATE OF FLYING ACADEMY, PLANET BAYNEY. ONE YEAR AGO DID NOT ARRIVED AT HIS DESIGNATED PLACE OF SERVICE. CAUSES ARE UNDER INVESTIGATION. DETAILED INFORMATION ON ALL MOVEMENTS AND PLANS NEEDED.
"Damn!" the admiral swore again, "My hat!" He called for an emergency meeting of high officers. Immediate action should be taken - while it's not too late.
***
Leon was highly inspired. He felt that at the moment there is no force in colonies able to stop him. His army was organized, mobile, and obeying, as it seemed, his smallest thought. Ship and fleet commanders were very enthusiastic - long time passed since the last appearance of such a. leader in colonies - smart, bold and determined. He was a leader one would like to obey. His authority highly increased after the defeat of Scott. Those who witnessed the fight were bandying the story about, and the name Mighty firmly stuck to him. People surrounding Leon were deifying him - Leon was constantly catching their admiring glances upon him. This was giving him inspiration and strength.
Slightly less than a year passed since he arrived in colonies, and now one third of them is conquered. One of the most powerful leaders Scott the Wild eliminated. His vast domain and the army of first-class mercenaries joined Leon's. Bob, observing the agreement, sent him two hundred of the best warships and a couple of dozen of transports with weapons and supplies. Dick's people were not remembering their former leader. Of all territories the planets belonging to Nelsius' clan were the most damaged by the war - their cities were almost destroyed by orbital bombings. Besides that, Nelsius' clan had losses in population and ships. Leon, understanding that, was not demanding many resources from them. He was happy just with that he could use Nelsius' territory as a starting point for further expansion in colonies. Besides, he also took large volumes of resources from them in the beginning of the campaign and understood that now Nelsius' clan needs a rest, otherwise its economy would crash. The planets will decay and the resulting crisis would be pregnant with social explosion. Although riots in destroyed cities wouldn't pose a threat to Leon, he had no need to extract last juices from wasted planets either.
One third of the colonies was conquered and united by him. Armies of former clans were organized as separate fleets reporting directly to Leon. The combativity of fleets was fantastic -the last year or so they spent in endless fights. From the very beginning all crews of pirate ships consisted of professionals-mercenaries. The battle spirit, the perception of their special mission made armies super-effective. Leon the Mighty was a messiah for these people, leading them to the achievement of ultimate goal. Leon felt this connection with his army and nations that now became his own all the time. What was the life of ordinary people, who were working at industries and paying taxes - he didn't think about it.
But now for the first time since his arrival in colonies he started to think about the ultimate goal of his campaign. The unification of colonies became a close reality - he needs not more than a year for that. What's next? He didn't know. Earlier he wasn't thinking so big. He was taking action step by step, each time setting reasonable, achievable objectives for himself, often changing them in the course of events, but finally achieving his goal in this or that way. The scale of his plans was constantly growing and their limits became obvious at last.
For a while Leon on purpose didn't want to deliberate over what will happen after he will
conquer the colonies. But he had a vague feeling that his forces will become so strong that even
Earthmen could hardly resist their attack. And the Earth world treated him unfair. Although now
he had no regret that he was refused to serve in the Intelligence, he still thought the Earth world
is in debt to him. Once they demonstrated their power to him by throwing him to the fringe of
their world. Well, the time will come, and probably he too will speak with them on the language
of strength. щ
Time... He had it. The next item on his list was Andrew the Handsome. Now after Scott the Wild is dead, Andrew was the last strong opponent. He was especially strong in his own territory. Andrew spent many years fortifying planets, building new industries, and developing the economy in all possible ways. Among other clans his planets were the most populated. In the beginning of his reign, when Andrew was young and continuously raided his neighbors, he managed to export many precious resources from their planets. Later these resources became the foundation of his own economy. Andrew was very wealthy. He could afford to keep an army of first-class mercenaries. The fortifications of his planets were excellent, and near the capital two orbital stations armed with laser batteries and rocket launchers - in the colonies only Andrew could afford such expensive structures. Although in the due course of time Andrew's former influence in colonies has gone, and Andrew stopped to participate in inter-clan wars, he continued to be a formidable opponent in his own territory. Probably therefore the leaders of other clans respected him, preferring to have business dealings with him.
The objective put before Leon was not an easy one. He didn't want to waste his people. It was obvious that the direct armed conflict with Andrew will result in significant losses on both sides. Andrew's people will fight desperately. Besides, he pays them very good. In their territory they feel secure themselves, and there is no need for them to change the master.
On the other hand, Leon didn't want to move further, leaving Andrew in peace for now. At the moment his army is strong, united and ready for battle, but who knows what will happen in the future. Who knows how Andrew and the other leaders will react when they will see that Leon was shy of attacking Andrew's domain. Even his army won't forgive such a weakness. No, Andrew should be the next, regardless of possible losses.
But there was another way - negotiations. Probably, Andrew would agree to join Leon, as Bob did in the past. Leon was significantly weaker when that happened. But Andrew is not Bob. However, if Leon will manage to convince Andrew in expedience of alliance, then they will spare the lives of their people and Andrew's world wouldn't be destroyed as Nelsius" world in the past, then the unification of the remaining colonies would be an issue of several months. Also, the remaining clans wouldn't oppose Leon after Andrew will capitulate. Thus the agreement with Andrew was a strategic task of a special significance. It means Leon should meet Andrew. He has to do everything to convince Andrew. In the same time his army will stay on the alert on the borders of Andrew's domain - it would be a good argument in the upcoming negotiations.
Yes, let it be like that - and Leon took a decision.
In the same time he understood his idea is a risky one. Negotiations mean he has to go in the jaws of eventual opponent - if Leon wants to achieve success, he has to visit the capital of Andrew's domain. Thus he simultaneously will show the confidence in own strength and express the respect to the ruler. To achieve that he may take only a few ships - he shouldn't broadcast a threat, as he would like to demonstrate a good will. Andrew would be able to dispose of them easily.
But now Leon wanted such a situation - during the last year a devil has woken up within him, and a passion for risk developed. The danger attracted him. He again wanted to experience risk and unpredictability, when every second it is needed to re-evaluate the situation and be prepared to everything. When it is needed to take a decision immediately and act accordingly. He has to meet Andrew in his territory and outgame him. Andrew was an interesting person for Leon. He heard much about thjs pirate and now he wanted to meet him in the flesh.
*#*
Andrew was a short man in years. His face was covered with old scars. His left side was distorted and a leg crippled - these were the traces of the old accident in which he miraculously survived - when Earth ships sent from "Christa" to eliminate him shot down his cruiser.
Leon entered the large hall, where Andrew was sitting, and stopped in a few steps before him. On both sides of Andrew there were servitors and bodyguards standing. Leon also took several men with him - they, after entering the hall, stayed near the entrance.
Leon said to Andrew, "Andrew the Handsome, I have heard much about you and have deep feelings of respect. Therefore I will be brief. I want to unite the colonies and soon I will achieve my goal. I propose you to join me now."
He silenced. Andrew was silent too. His face was unreadable; it was impossible to understand what he was thinking about. Some time passed in the complete silence. Leon was waiting.
Finally Andrew said, "Well, why do you young man think I would be interested in your offer?"
Leon didn't reply. He didn't want to go into useless discussion and was waiting for the answer to his question.
"All of you," Andrew continued, "think I'm old and weak, and if I'm not taking part in your fights, there is no need to take me into account. Boy! Do you understand whom are you talking to? I, Andrew the Handsome, created the most powerful colony in this star cluster! While you are busy with partitioning the useless space with barren, wasted planets, I am reinforcing what I have. Look at my cities - where in colonies you will see the same standard of life? They are wealthy, supplied with everything they might need. Because I'm paying them! They will follow me! Because they know nobody will give them more."
Andrew sat back and recovered his breath. Leon still was silent - he already knew the result -Andrew is not going to join him. And although Andrew's words were touching him. he thought there is no need to react to them.