Ramblings of an Argon Nephew (Page 22 of 35)

Written by TTD



"Well,'ere goes", thought Norman as he prepared to send his report to his uncle."In for one, in for a ton. Oi 'ope 'ee zees what Oi've dun 'an not what Oi've missed"

"Best Oi not tell 'im abut de Qs etc yet, Or the slow down in Teladianium demand. Seems no traders want wants te risk gittin shot out by de Qs woil transportin' te stuff. An'Oi ain't no navy man. Mebe Oi need to recruit some prahpur poilets wid dem skills. Need better foighter crafts an' crusers an all forst tho'."

.........Terry was talking to Dermot.... "...yeah, seems he is so pleased with this complex he wants all future complexes built with this technology. But he's a bit moody of late and doesn't show his face as often as normal."

"yes. I have noticed. Anna is working on that.Seems somethings are not going to plan, or something has been happening in other sectors that he doesn't like."

"i've heard rumours that Argon Prime has been put on alert. Seems that a few weeks ago there was a terrorist attack and even Argon One has been put on Red Alert. All civillians have been told not to panick, but be more vigilent.This could upset trade with our station in CBSW. You know how jittery those stock brokers are,"

"well, what ever it is that's bothering him, we need him to get focused again soon.We can't build complexes if we keep running out of credits."

Norman has had a good day ending in his second Boron Complex being completed.

" Now 'ow do Oi muscle in on the roids in Split territory, without upsetting them too much?Oi think Oi'll tell me construction manager te use Split technology. But to stay out of there until Oi've vizited the governor of the Strongs Arms HQ in person. They weren't 'appy that the Borons were the first non Argon race to benefit vrom moi experiment.Mebe Oi kin give 'em somethin' te smooth their itchin skin,so they protect us instead of gettin' trigger 'appy.....AAh well.We'll zee 'em tomorro'."

Next morning Norman makes a personal inspection of his latest complex and returns to R/D1 in Hollow infinity and calls all non essential technicians and personel to the observation lounge.

"Right den,thankyou for a coming. Virst off,all vully trained operatives are te be equally distributed between our two new 'plexes . Secondly all new operatives are te be divided the zame way and trained by the zenior members ov de afore mentioned teams. Thirdly, Terry,Dermot and Anna...you're coming on a journey.Join me afder you 'ave got what you need for an extended trip. Last,but not least...Well done vor de evorts you have all put in on this complex.All those involved in getting it running smoothly are te tak it in turns te go te Argon Prime te receive recognition.Start planning now as you will be expected te start arriving there shortly afder my return. Any questions?"

He then sent the construction manager his orders and instructed him to buy from Split shipyards where possible, but wait for confirmation first.

He had made the Advanced Eclipse his personal ship. Lightly armoured with enough firepower to keep him out of danger if needed and modified the cargo space to allow for such occasions as these when extra passengers were required.It was still a bit cramped but it was comfortable. Soon they were heading off to Split Strong Arms HQ.

"Why are we not jumping?" asked Terry.

"We need mar frieghters te build up our reserves ag'in. Zo Oi'm 'opin' te git some zecond 'ands on route. Can't afford new uns now, an Oi dun't want te start "borrowing" them. Oi'm no Pirate. Just kep yer eyes peeled for any dat moit be of use"

.....Anna's charm had not worked on the split clerk and Norman was losing patience.He needed those silicon and Ore...

" Lookee 'ere! Oi'll not waste toim talking with loiks ov you! Git me the Governor or there will be trouble, maybe."

His attempt at talking Split in his own accent had an effect.

The clerk, Ho't Tnt. looked up surprised and fell back against the wall with a high pitched gurgling sound which must have been some form of laughter. He came back to the desk with what was supposedly a grin and said pressed a button."Very well! But don't waste my time again! Tell Split what you want quick. We busy." With that a door opened and an imposing military looking Split stood at the door. " Come in.Excuse my clerk.We not used to human visitors here."

......"So ..." Anna was explaining: " What my employer here is offering is to build a complex for your immediate needs in return for mining rights and another complex for his needs."

"So you offer one thing and want two in return? No"

"Perhaps Oi give you bottom prices for your immediate requirements and 10% discount at all moi complexes, including shields?"

"ok. You say you buy stations from us unless not possible?"

"That is correct sir", Anna came back in with. "That will apply to all Split owned sectors. Elsewhere we buy as needed, which may include_once Split tech sometimes"

"Fine. Sign the contract my clerk will offer you. We look forward to your products. Goodbye"

Getting back to the Eclipse, Terry asked how it all went. He had been running over all the data he had collected about this sector.

"well At first I thought Norman had blown all chance of a meeting, but we came back with a deal." replied Dermot, "Hee hee. I wonder how long it will be before he realises he will also be giving us protection for free?"

Time passed and they bought a few fighters and freighters along route.

They had chanced to survey Veil of Delusion before visiting the Split Strong Arms HQ .It was a devastated sector. But luck was on there side. A well armed / shielded Blastclaw Prototype had been abandoned in the SE quadrant.This they promptly kitted out and sent it ahead to Argon Prime.

Upon final arrival, they looked out to the greeting deck and saw various member of Norman's family and certain VIPs waiting for them. In the background were heavy security trying to keep the reporters at bay and laser torching any unauthorised camera drones.

"This is the kind of fuss I could live without," said Dermot.

"Oi know,but the zooner we git it over wid, de zooner we kin git back te wurk. Lets go."

After introductions they were led away to a shuttle which took them directly to their suite of VIP rooms,especially organised by the Senate, with guards posted at discreet positions.

"Aw, bless yer son!" Norman's mother was saying, " you've put on zum wayte, so yer have.'an lost that silly official accent yer 'ad afore yee left."

"Ay, Oi av, but Oi'l 'av te practice it a bit ready for the ceremony tomorrow."

They found their quarters and relaxed until evening when they would all join up again for a banquet with some more leading senators.