Distant Horizons Chinavare's Find Book Three: Chinavare's Find, #3

Chapter One: Change is in the air

Monday July 29th, 2047

Akagi City, Akagi

Tall, thin, impeccably dressed, at least as impeccably dressed as this barbaric planet would allow, Reverend Walker T. Reid sat at a long wooden table that took up most of a sparse, white painted, room. The seat at the other end of the table was empty. Reid had become aware that something was amiss the moment he stepped off the plane.

The last time he had been to Akagi, he had been greeted by a fawning little sycophant, who proved to be a very capable servant. Very capable indeed, Reid remembered fondly. This time, he had been greeted by an unsmiling brute.

The brute hadn't even allowed Reid to stop at the hotel to freshen up. Instead, Reid and his luggage had been delivered to this sub-basement in the palace of one of the Triad overlords. The brute had unceremoniously shoved Reid into the chair he was still sitting in.

The brute had then forced Reid to watch as a handful of thugs pawed through the Reverend’s belongings. Reid had tried to object once and it had earned him a punch in the face. Running his tongue over his teeth, Reid could tell that at least two crowns would have to be replaced.

With nothing better to do Reid began to think about how all of this had come about. He had come out of seminary school, a young visionary, eager to do God's work and to make the world a better place. He had known Reverend Abbot in seminary school, they'd even had a series of intimate encounters, Reid was hesitant to call it an affair, and he was certain that the good Reverend did not, but in the end, the two had run in different circles.

After seminary school, each had gone their separate ways. Reverend Reid had taken a position with a mega-church in Dallas. He had always been able to gravitate to the top of whatever group he joined. The mega-church had been no different. Within two years, he had become the Assistant Pastor, directing much of the church's activities.

It was then that Reverend Abbot had come back into his life. Abbot had essentially bought out the mega-church's board of directors and replaced them with people who would do his bidding. Abbot’s new board quickly sacked the pastor. Reid thought his ship had come in. He expected Abbot to name him pastor. Instead, Abbot appointed an ecumenically dubious televangelist pastor and told Reid that he had a better use for his services.

Reid accepted Abbot's offer and became the good Reverend's ambassador. The good Reverend had left him little other choice. In reality, Reid became the good Reverend's hatchet man. Whenever there was a problem to take care of, Reid was dispatched to take care of it.

At first, what he had been asked to do had bothered him. After all, what did bribery, blackmail, and even assassination have to do with spreading God's will? But Reid's conscience had been assuaged by the money and other favors that the Reverend lavishly tossed in his lap. Reid also took comfort from the fact that he knew where all of Reverend Abbot's skeletons were buried. This knowledge helped Reid feel confident that the Reverend would always take care of him.

This morning, that confidence had been shaken. Reid's reverie was broken by a gruff, weathered old man who had entered the room and sat at the far end of the table. The old man croaked, So Reverend Reid, what brings you to us today?

Reid answered anxiously, I have been sent to acquire your services.

Oh. And what services do you wish to acquire, and how do you intend to pay for them?

We'd like to hire a team of assassins. The Reverend has authorized me to establish an account where he will deposit funds.

You have brought no funds with you then?

No. I have brought no funds with me.

That's too bad, the old man replied. He scratched his chin and continued, What was it exactly that you wanted these assassins to do?

The Reverend would like them to kill Random Hause.

The old man laughed quietly and replied, No. I'm afraid not. We on Akagi have enough to worry about with the coming of the SSF. To add the pressure that is sure to be thrown at the murderer of the 'Savior of New Beijing' would be madness. We will not do this thing.

Then my business here is done, Reid said as he stood and prepared to leave.

Not so fast, my friend. Your actions have cost our organization a great deal of money. How do you propose to repay that debt? the old man demanded sharply.

I've done nothing of the sort, Reid answered nervously.

Ah, but you have. We had a lucrative business running contraband through Echo World. Your failed attempt to take over the planet has left AUN and SSF units in control of transportation on Echo World. Units that now refuse to turn a blind eye to our operations.

Reid looked around nervously, feeling truly afraid. Contact Reverend Abbot, he can help arrange payment for your losses.

"We have spoken to the Reverend. He said no funds would be available to cover your debt," the old man answered, sounding saddened.

Reid was suddenly alarmed. "My debt? You surely can't believe that I did this thing."

Can't we? You cannot deny that a goodly portion of this catastrophe came about as a direct result of your instructions.

Reid blanched and then asked, truly frightened, Then what do you plan to do with me?

The old man gestured, one of the thugs stepped into the room behind Reid. The thug raised a pistol to the back of Reid's head and then pulled the trigger. We will exchange your debt for your life, the old man said as he watched Reid die.

Through a dimensional weak-point known as a flashover, on Echo World, so known because of its uncanny resemblance to an Earth without people, in Atlanta Station, named for its relative geographic location, as were all Echo World locations, a different set of negotiations was taking place. Brigadier Shaun Leigh Stewart was making arrangements with representatives from the AUN and the Hand of God units remaining on Echo World for the repatriation of prisoners taken during the fighting. For the surviving AUN soldiers and junior officers, the process was simple, they were to be returned to Omaha Station and to their AUN units. What was to happen to them beyond their return was up to the AUN. The fallen would also be repatriated. As with the living, what would happen to them beyond repatriation would be in the hands of the AUN.

For General Felix Von Francois, the issue of repatriation was a bit more complicated. The AUN didn't want him returned to their ranks. In fact they were preparing to prosecute him for his role in the aborted coup. General Von Francois, understandably, wasn't very anxious to return to the UN Off-world capital in Omaha Station.

Brigadier Shaun Stewart looked across the table at the rumpled, dejected looking man in a wheelchair. She said, Well Felix, what is it that we're going to do with you?

The AUN Off-world representative, Colonel Adam Pitt, spoke first, We, meaning the AUN Off-world Senior Staff, would like to make it perfectly clear. Under no circumstances are we willing to allow General Von Francois to return to the ranks until he has faced charges for his involvement in the coup.

Anger flashed in Von Francois's eyes for a moment, he opened his mouth as if to say something, then thought better of it. His shoulders slumped and he looked down at the table. I can't think of anyplace that I'd like to go, that you'd be willing to send me, he said sullenly.

I'm afraid that I'm going to have to send you somewhere where you can be held accountable for your actions Felix. That leaves the UN Off-world Authority in Omaha Station or the SSF Off-world Tribunal here in Atlanta Station, Brigadier Stewart replied without a great deal of sympathy.

General Von Francois looked up sheepishly. I'd like to stay out of the hands of the SSF for as long as I can Brigadier, he answered quietly.

Then Omaha Station it is. We'll make travel arrangements as soon as I've figured out what to do with the Hand of God soldiers, Brigadier Stewart replied with finality. General Von Francois and the AUN Off-world representative were led from the room.

A few moments later, a woman and two male uniformed officers entered the room. Brigadier Stewart stood and introduced herself, You must be the representatives for the Hand of God prisoners. My name is Brigadier Shaun Stewart.

The woman smiled briefly, then said, Hello Brigadier Stewart, I am Associate Director Alicia Bates and I am indeed here to represent the Hand of God prisoners in your care. The two women leaned across the table and shook hands. Then A. D. Bates continued, The officer on my left is Colonel Titus Seiloff, he was the commanding officer of the unit that your forces destroyed outside of Birmingham Station. The officer on my right is General Alvin Taylor; he was the officer in overall command of the division that was located at the Pittsburgh Junction.

Brigadier Stewart nodded to the two men and said, Pleased to meet you gentlemen. Where would you like to begin?

The two officers prepared to speak, but were cut off by A. D. Bates, I'd think we like to begin by making arrangements to repatriate our troops to their units. Does that sound reasonable to you gentlemen? Both men agreed quickly and looked down at the table. Then she continued, Once that has been accomplished, I'd like to make some arrangements for the proper services and burial for the Hand of God soldiers that fell during the fighting.

Brigadier Stewart nodded and said, I think those things should be easy to arrange. We were going to transport the prisoners to Omaha Station on the rail line, but I hear you have moved your units somewhere to the east.

A. D. Bates smiled and answered politely, "Yes Brigadier. We have signed a peace accord with The Hub and the Commonwealth of Omaha. We would like to sign a similar agreement with the Savannah Protectorate.

Our units are now in the process of making a permanent home for themselves around the Toledo Junction. We have already begun constructing a settlement at the junction. Currently, secondary roads link Toledo to the Savannah Protectorate, the Commonwealth of Omaha, and The Hub. As soon as possible, we'd like to convert those secondary lines to main line connections.

I can't sign a peace accord with you, but I can arrange to have your soldiers airlifted to the airfield at the Toledo Junction.

There was a moment of silence before A. D. Bates asked, That would be excellent, now about the services and burials for our fallen?

What would you like to happen, Associate Director Bates?

A. D. Bates looked at each of the two men. They conferred quietly. Finally Bates answered, First, call me Alicia, it's much easier to say than Associate Director Bates, Second, we would like to send forensic units to the sites to identify the deceased. Third, we will contact the next of kin to allow them to make funeral arrangements, and then we would arrange transport to whatever site the family chooses for burial. Finally, for those who have no identifiable next of kin, we would like to transport them to the Toledo Junction community for burial there.

I think that can also be arranged if you agree to supervision and cooperation with Savannah Protectorate authorities. Was there anything else?

Yes there is, but I'm not certain this is the proper forum.

Very well, what is it you would like to talk about?

A. D. Bates smiled and said, We'd like to negotiate a trade agreement and we'd also like technical help in the design and layout of our settlements.

Brigadier Stewart smiled in return. No this isn't the proper forum; you're going to have to talk to the people in Savannah Station. I will forward your request. If you could provide your contact information so that we can get back in touch with you.

Gladly, A. D. Bates answered. All four rose and shook hands. Bates and the two officers were led out of the room to arrange air transport of their men to the Toledo Junction.

Elsewhere on Echo World, in Savannah Station, a third set of negotiations was taking place. Eileen Faith Sands stood in the middle of the Rediscovery Corporation office, her blue eyes blazing brightly, with her hands on her hips. Listen, it has to be done. I'm going and that's that, she said with determination.

Why must you go alone? Random asked.

You read her note. That's how she said she wanted it.

Explain to me again, why it is that you're negotiating with Cynthia?

Eileen looked at Random as if she were trying to cleanse his soul with the fire in her eyes. It's selfish really. I've finally found a partner that I enjoy being with. Ike said it, I'm happy and I wouldn't trade places with anyone else, she said with passion in her voice.

Random looked at Eileen as if seeing her for the first time. I didn't realize this meant that much to you. Where do we go from here?

Eileen looked down at her feet and answered tentatively, Well, first, I have to go and meet with Cynthia Han. Second, we have to continue looking for Carol Turner. Third, I've made arrangements for Sarah to move into our third bedroom. Please look after her. She's an emotional basket case.

Random looked at her, too stunned to reply. A few heart beats later he said, Wait a minute. You said continue looking for Carol Turner. Have Caitlyn and Elvin come up with something?

Eileen had turned to go to back to the kitchen. She stopped and answered, Yes. They've found the wreckage of Carol's aircraft, but there was no sign of the crew. The crew seems to have vanished somewhere on Delhi II. They've had RPV's and heliplanes searching the entire route, but nothing has turned up so far.

My god, why didn't somebody tell me about this? Random asked sounding distressed.

Well mainly because we didn't want you running off half-cocked trying to search for her. The situation hasn't changed much since you spoke with Captain Bethea. The AUN Off-world and Delhi II's militia are doing all that can be done to find her.

Eileen, you've got to tell me this stuff. Don't hide it from me, Random said with a hint of anger.

I'm sorry Randy, The Brigadiers and I decided to keep it from you until the crisis appeared to be over. We were worried about you and felt that you didn't need any extra stress.

Random walked over to her and grabbed her arms. Eileen flinched, but Random pulled her to him and kissed her vigorously. We have a perfectly good way to relieve stress, he whispered gruffly in her ear and then kept kissing her. Eileen struggled briefly, and then melted.

Eventually, they stopped necking. I'll keep that in mind for future reference, Eileen answered with a sigh.

Good. Now what was that about Sarah?

Eileen pulled away from him and answered, She's going to be using our spare bedroom, as she smoothed out her dress.

Why is she staying with us? I mean I like her and all that, but doesn't having her around kind of complicate things?

Where do you want me to start?

As far back as you need for it to make sense to me.

Eileen looked at Random, frowned and then said, Let me start from the beginning. Sarah and I knew each other from our time in Scotland. I was training with Ike and she was posted to the Fifty-first Scottish Brigade. Ike brought us together. I was lonely. He said he had a daughter that could use a friend. She and I very quickly became fast friends, and stayed that way until I left for Echo World.

So when you met up in the CC, you renewed an old friendship?

Exactly, we renewed our friendship. The whole problem came to a head the night that Ike came up to visit. You see, Sarah's only been romantically interested in one person since she's been old enough to have those kinds of feelings.

Oh my god. Let me guess. Ike, but Ike feels that she's family and out of bounds. Random suddenly felt sorry for Captain Snow.

Right. Ike told her that he saw her as a daughter, not as a lover. It broke her heart. I've been trying to help her hold it together ever since.

Yeah, ok. Sarah needs someone to look after her. Why does she have to move in with us?

Eileen took a deep breath and began explaining again, "While we were out at Birmingham Station talking to Brigadier Stewart, Sarah submitted her resignation from the AUN and she accepted a position as my Administrative Assistant. The Brigadier would have none of it. She refused to accept Sarah's resignation.

Stewart said we still needed Sarah's skills. Instead she proposed transferring Sarah to your staff, as a senior staff officer. So officially, Sarah now works for the Rediscovery Corporation, Savannah, and the Canadian Armed Forces. In any case, she needed civilian quarters here in Savannah Station, and it wasn't a good idea to leave her alone. Besides, I trust you to take care of her. I don't really trust anyone else enough for that.

Random's shoulders sagged and he asked, Alright, is there anything else I need to know? Eileen's explanation had left his head spinning, but he was convinced of how important this was to Eileen

Eilen hesitated, then answered with an odd expression on her face, Um . . . . Yeah. Don't let her get legless.

Random looked at Eileen, hesitated a moment, then said, I hate to ask, but why shouldn't I let her get drunk?

She can be very . . . , amorous when she's drunk. Eileen looked slightly embarrassed.

Random closed his eyes and smiled and then said, I take it you've found this out the hard way.

Well . . . , yes, the sex was wonderful, but the morning after guilt trip was a nightmare, Eileen answered wistfully.

Random studied her for a moment and then hugged her to him. As he held her he asked, Hers or yours?

Eileen looked at him, very sheepishly. Hers, definitely hers.

Ouch! You poor baby. I'll try and keep that in mind, he answered softly as he gently nuzzled her ear. Eileen murmured something softly, too softly for Random to make out what she said.

After a moment Random pulled back and looked directly into Eileen's eyes and then asked, Do you love her?

Eileen returned the look, then broke eye contact and answered, Maybe, but Sarah doesn't love girls that way.

Random kissed her cheek, suddenly feeling sorry for her as well, and said, Ok. I promise that I'll do my best to keep her sober and look after her.

Thank you for agreeing to look after her. The keeping her sober bit is for your own good you know, Eileen answered with tears forming in her eyes. Schoenfeldt was definitely wrong. She's not an Ice Princess. This girl has plenty of emotion; she just keeps it well guarded.

With that, Eileen went in to the bedroom and began packing the things that she would need for her trip to New Beijing. She and Random ate lunch together, and then he loaded her bags into a brand new Volkswagen Staff Car. A gift that had been provided by an Earth based trading company, hoping to establish trade relations with Savannah. With the bags loaded, Random drove her to the airfield and helped load her into the C-130K transport that was going to carry her and a trade delegation to New Beijing.

After the airfield, Random stopped in at the CC to check in on operations there. Everything appeared to be proceeding smoothly. Regular scheduled traffic was now running between Earth, Omaha Station and Savannah. In addition to train loads of colonists, there were also trains carrying livestock and other consumer goods coming into Savannah. Trains heading out from Savannah Station were carrying processed seafood, hemp and bamboo products.

Random spent much of the rest of the afternoon going over operations with Brigadier Steven Dunne and various other staff members. It was late in the evening by the time Random returned to the apartment. He found Captain Sarah Snow sitting on the sofa watching a soccer match.

Random walked over to the sofa and said, Hello Sarah.

Captain Snow looked up at him, on the verge of tears and answered, Hello General Hause, sir.

Listen, When we're not on duty, just call me Random. Ok? Random was trying not to upset her any further.

Yes sir.

Random sighed and then said, I didn't know you liked soccer.

She smiled weakly and replied, My mum loved football. In fact my da was a football player, before he went off with Chinavare.

Random smiled and said, We uncultured Yanks call it soccer.

Sarah returned a half smile and answered, I know that, but to us Brits, this is and always will be football.

Random looked around and saw no evidence of dinner. Fair enough. Have you eaten yet?

Miss Snow shrugged her shoulders and shook her head at the same time and said, No. I moved my stuff in. It's sitting in the hallway. I didn't know which room to put it in. Eventually, I ended up out here on the couch watching football.

Random listened patiently. He felt a strong urge to hug her and pat her on the back and say 'Poor baby,' but he resisted. Instead, he said, Here let's get your stuff moved in and then we'll see about making something for us to eat.

Miss Snow nodded her head and said, Alright.

She got up off the couch and glumly followed Random into the hallway. Random stopped, picked up most of her bags and trundled down the hall, past the den, to the spare bedroom. He set the bags on the bed and went over to the closet, opened the door and said, There's a walk in closet here with all kinds of storage, including a built in dresser along the back wall. There's also the big dresser out in the room, so you should have plenty of space to put your things. I'd volunteer to help you put them away, but you'd probably prefer do it yourself.

Miss Snow managed a stronger smile and answered, Yes. I would prefer to put my things away myself. Thank you. How about you go and look into that dinner while I put this stuff away.

No problem. I'll see you in a little bit, Random said as he headed out the door. He stopped at the doorway and added, Holler if you need a hand. I'll be in the kitchen.

With that he strolled out into the kitchen and began working on a dinner of baked fish, brown rice, and asparagus. He started with the rice, because it would take nearly an hour to prepare properly. He had just finished seasoning the fish and preparing to put it into the oven when Captain Snow followed her nose into the kitchen. It smells very good.

I hope you like it. It's going to be about twenty minutes yet.

Sounds wonderful, I'll go and listen to some music while we wait, Miss Snow answered pleasantly and then headed out to the front room.

A few moments later, Random headed out to the front room and sat on the sofa with Captain Snow and quietly listened to her music. After a while, he said, Eileen tells me that you and she used to be friends back on Earth.

Sarah nodded and answered, We did. We still are. She gave Random an odd expression and tilted her head to the side and asked shyly, What else did Eileen tell you about us?

Well, she said that it's been a difficult time for you lately and that you've done some things that you've regretted later, Random tried to be diplomatic.

Sarah laughed. Well that's certainly a nice way of putting it. I suppose she wants you to keep an eye on me.

Random chuckled and said, Well . . . , yes.

Sarah laughed again and said solemnly, I promise that I will behave myself and . . . .

Just then the bell rang, cutting short her promise. Random got up to go and put dinner out to eat. When he had finished Sarah joined him at the kitchen table and together they enjoyed the meal. After dinner, Sarah said she had some reading she wanted to do and headed off towards her room.

Random wandered back into the front room, plugged his music player into the entertainment console, put on his headphones and drifted off, listening to music. Some time, in the middle of the night, Sarah came out to the front room and found him sleeping on the couch. She unplugged the music player and pulled off the headphones. After a quick search, she found a blanket, covered him with it and then went back to bed.

Random woke up on the couch covered with a blanket. Ok, so Sarah's not the only one who needs looking after, he thought as he headed into the bath to do his morning routine. He finished in the bath and was just sitting down with his coffee when his moby buzzed.

Random took out the device and opened a communications channel. Sarah's face appeared on the screen and she greeted him with, Wake up sir. We've just gotten an interesting phone call from an Associate Director Bates of the Hand of God. She would like to meet with us this morning.

Random looked at his moby. He wondered, Meet with us this morning? then asked, Where are you?

Sarah smiled. I'm in Ms. Eileen's office sir.

Ok, I'll be down to the office in a minute.

Brilliant. We'll see you then sir. Oh, before I forget. Eileen has asked us to look for someplace that we could actually use as a permanent home and she wants us to find a headquarters for the Rediscovery Corporation.

Ok, sure, Random answered. Sarah could hear him grumbling in the background before he hung up.

Random closed up the apartment and headed down to the main floor. He walked quickly past the CC and down the hallway to the Rediscovery Corporation office. Inside the office, there were about thirty very busy people at terminals. Sarah was nowhere to be seen, so Random headed towards Eileen's office.

He knocked on the door and heard Sarah answer, Come in. Random opened the door and saw Sarah seated at Eileen's desk. He looked at her and was about to say something when she interrupted, Eileen asked me to look after things while she was away sir.

Have you heard anything from her?

No. Did you expect to sir?

Random pulled up a seat and said, Not really, so what about this lady from the Hand of God?

Sarah looked at her notes. Her name is Alicia Bates and she's the Associate Director of the Hand of God, assigned to Echo World sir.

I wonder what happened to Walker Reid? He used to be the Associate Director assigned to Echo World.

No idea sir. Why don't you ask her? as she set up the connection to Alicia Bates' office on her terminal.

When Bates appeared on the screen, Sarah transferred the image to a wall monitor. Good morning Associate Director Bates, what may I do for you today? Random asked.

A. D. Bates smiled, smoothed her hair, and said sweetly, Well, for starters, you can call me Alicia. It's much simpler to remember than Associate Director Bates.

Ok Alicia, what can I do for you today?

A. D. Bates turned slightly sideways in her seat and said, I'd like to inform you that the Hand of God units that were on Echo World have been granted colony status.

Random nodded and replied, I've heard. Brigadier Stewart said that you were setting up at the Toledo Junction.

A. D. Bates smiled brightly. Yes that's right. We've been granted the area corresponding to Michigan's Lower Peninsula, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.

I see. Brigadier Stewart also said that you were interested in some technical help.

A. D. Bates replied sweetly, We are. We would like to arrange a tour of one of your stations. We'd also like to talk to the person responsible for the design of your installations.

A tour should only be a scheduling problem. A meeting with the designer would be more problematic. I'm not exactly certain who the designer was.

Are you being coy with me General?

No Ms. Bates. Chinavare may have had this installation built, but there's no mention of the actual designer.

A. D. Bates leaned forward in her seat revealing a generous portion of cleavage and said boldly, Let's put it this way then, shall we? I'd like to meet Almond Chinavare.

Random chuckled and replied, You and everyone else. A meeting with Chinavare would greatly depend on whether or not he actually wants to meet with you.

A. D. Bates sat back, looking very disappointed and pouting and then answered, And here I was led to believe that you had more influence with him than that.

Random ignored the pout and opted to change subjects, "What role