Second Life of Mr. Hunt: Book 3: Failover Read online

  “I will,” said Kat.

  Commander Tucket nodded. “My brother Jessup has gone missing and I’m unable to go looking for him due to a classified mission I have been assigned to. I was hoping you could help in finding him while I’m away. The only issue is he could simply be out of touch on a planet or stranded in a remote galaxy.”

  “That’s a big favor. It would be hard enough for me to find someone on a planet, let alone galaxies. What makes you think I could locate him?”

  “There’s a rumor that you have a knack for resolving issues and getting out alive. Plus, I trust you.”

  “That’s an interesting rumor,” Ryan said with a laugh. “I appreciate the trust, and I’ll see what I can do. How do you know he is missing in the first place?”

  “He’s a transport pilot and is usually gone for months at a time, but he at least reaches out to me now and then. However, I received a time-delayed message from him this morning. It was created over a month ago and was programmed to send should he not check in with his home AI.”

  “Did he leave any details?” asked Kat.

  “He only said that if I was receiving the message, things didn’t go well and he wanted to let me know how he felt about me. My brother and I never got along, but he’s my brother. If he’s in trouble, I need to help him.”

  “OK. I can get the Tempus—”

  “Unfortunately, I cannot authorize you to take the Tempus, Mr. Hunt,” said CEO Klein.

  “CEO, I didn’t see you there,” said Commander Tucket.

  “Nice to see you, Commander. Am I to understand you have a personal matter that you require assistance with?”

  “Yes, sir, it’s personal, and I shouldn’t have involved OTKE personnel. I will handle it when I get back from my mission.”

  CEO Klein looked at the Commander, and then at Ryan and Kat.

  “Officially, I cannot sanction a personal mission with corporate resources, but there are other ways to navigate these waters. I will meet the three of you and Nora in my office in the morning and we can discuss it further. In the meantime, enjoy your evening.”

  The three of them watched CEO Klein walk away, surprised at his skirting of rules.

  Ryan raised his glass. “Happy Halloween.”

  

  Ryan stood in the cold shower to wake himself up. The guests at his Halloween party the previous night were having such a great time that no one wanted to leave, and by the time the last person left, the sun was rising.

  He hated mornings. Especially ones where he had about an hour’s worth of sleep, but he had been ordered to attend an early meeting at the CEO’s office, and he was running late.

  Throwing on some clothes and grabbing a waffle, he bolted out the door, cringing. The waffle was good, but it wasn’t the same without maple syrup. He would always tease his wife about her eating them plain. It’s a crime, he would scream.

  Ryan’s apartment was in the diplomatic wing of the OTKE Corporation campus. Ever since the war started, the area was a hornet’s nest of activity, with people running around at all times and diplomatic guards at every intersection. Luckily, he was able to find an available auto-car to get him to the OTKE Corporation central headquarters.

  The glass tunnel connecting the buildings gave him a great view of the landing platforms, and it was busier than usual, with military ships landing and taking off nonstop.

  It unnerved him that the volume of ships in orbit were interfering with the morning rays of sunlight.

  Ryan tapped the comm badge on his hand. “Nora, this is Ryan. You available to talk?”

  “Yes, Mr. Hunt. I am almost at the CEO’s office. Since I do not see you, I am assuming you are running late?”

  “You could say that, but enough about me. What’s going on? There seems to be a lot of activity this morning.”

  “There was an incident reported between the Woland and the Earth Consortium. Details are scarce, and I have been told we will get a debrief in this morning’s meeting.”

  “This can’t be good.”

  “Is there anything else you require from me, sir?”

  “No, Nora, I appreciate the information. See you soon.”

  Ryan continued to ponder what might be going on as he hurried to CEO Klein’s Office. This area was under heavy security, with tiny facial recognition and scanning AIs hovering in front of anyone entering or leaving.

  The guards nodded to him as the door to the office slid open. Nora, Commander Tucket, and Kat were already there. Nora was seated away from Commander Tucket, who was having a discussion with Kat.

  Before Ryan could ask what was going on, the door behind the CEO’s conference room table slid open, and the unmistakable whirring sound of a cybernetic leg told everyone that Jack, the CEO’s personal assistant, was entering first.

  Jack looked around as the CEO’s four personal guards moved to strategic places in the room. Once Jack was satisfied with the security situation, he stepped aside to allow the CEO to enter and take his place behind his desk.

  “Please be seated,” said CEO Klein, waiting for everyone to sit before he did.

  For the first time, Ryan could see the grave concern on the CEO’s face, and it looked like he hadn’t slept either. His cybernetic eye moved back and forth at a pace he had never seen before. The CEO was probably reading and processing an astronomical amount of data, which was impressive for a non-AI, but probably taxing on a human.

  The CEO leaned on his elbows with his hands pyramided in front of his mouth. He seemed to be staring off into the distance, most likely reading some information. He nodded, crossed his hands on his desk, and looked across at the faces of the people seated in front of him.

  “Before we get to my original reason for bringing you here, I have some dire news to share. It has been reported that an Earth Consortium patrol fleet attacked a convoy of Woland civilians leaving a colony near the Florarien border as it headed toward Woland space.”

  Ryan and Kat looked at each other with their mouths open.

  “Unfortunately, there were no survivors. The current death toll stands at about one hundred thousand men, women, and children.”

  “Sir, this has to be propaganda,” said Commander Tucket, fidgeting in his chair. “I have seen atrocities, but the Earth Consortium…No. I don’t believe it. They would never target civilian ships. Even if we were at war.”

  “A Woland light battle cruiser disabled one of the Earth ships before it was destroyed. There is video footage of the ship self-destructing as the Woland reinforcements moved in on it. The Woland have retrieved the remains of the ship as further evidence,” said CEO Klein.

  Ryan rubbed his face with both hands and then slammed a fist down on the arm of his chair. “It’s the missing fleet that psycho has. Damn it! We didn’t locate him in time.”

  Kat put a hand on Ryan’s shoulder and whispered something. He nodded and took a deep breath.

  Commander Tucket tilted his head to the side to look past Kat at Ryan, “Whose fleet?”

  CEO Klein cleared his throat and gave Ryan a sharp look.

  “I know that look. I don’t think you were supposed to mention that,” said Kat.

  Ryan shrugged his shoulders. “Sorry, I let my emotions get the best of me.”

  “Am I being left out of something?” asked Commander Tucket, looking around for an answer.

  “Yes, you are, Commander. It was on a need-to-know basis. I will be breaking protocol but I feel it is necessary for you to have this information,” said Nora. “A few months ago, we clashed with a mercenary guild run by a man named Fredrick LaRue. An associate of his, posing as an Earth Consortium delegate, arrived here with an Earth Consortium Patrol Fleet to retrieve a Gravel Artifact, but left empty-handed.”

  CEO Klein took a deep breath and drooped his head.

  “Should I arrest them for
treason? I would love to do that,” said Jack, opening and closing his cybernetic hand and stepping forward.

  Commander Tucket leaned back in his chair and pondered what they had said. “So, you tangled with the Jester Freak Show mercenary guild and survived. Impressive. And if I had to guess, this false delegate took this fleet and attacked the Woland civilians to stir up trouble?”

  “The impostor was captured, but mysteriously vanished while being transferred to a detention planet,” Nora said with a slight grin. “Your logic is sound. If I were them, I would use the fleet to stir up trouble if I had something to gain from it.”

  “You realize this information is highly classified and cannot leave this office?” said CEO Klein.

  “I understand, but this changes everything and confirms rumors I have heard about artifacts and dead troops found in space,” said Commander Tucket, placing his hands back down on the arms of his chair. “I agree with Nora. If I was going to cause chaos, I would do exactly as described with that fleet, but it would be for a purpose.”

  “I am not yet sure of the purpose,” said CEO Klein. “But the Woland have declared war on the Florariens, the Earth Consortium, and their allies, which forced those races to do the same in return. If Fredrick wanted to cause chaos, he did it. I am hoping both sides keep far enough away from each other so things can cool down. For the moment, OTKE is not taking sides, but we have sent fleets to the smaller worlds to protect them from the madness. We are also taking in refugees from settlements caught in the crossfire and I fear we will shortly be overburdened.”

  “This can get ugly fast. It’s like watching history repeat itself,” said Kat.

  “Damn, I hope not,” said Ryan. “Earth had two world wars, and then a third after I was long gone that nearly wiped it out. I’d rather not live through an intergalactic war.”

  “For now, be vigilant, and I will keep you updated with any new details,” said CEO Klein. “In the meantime, we have other priorities that need our attention. One of them is the commander’s missing brother. I will break protocol and allow people and resources to search for him.”

  Commander Tucket perked up. “I appreciate that, sir. Especially with everything that is going on.”

  “Does this mean you changed your mind about the Tempus?” asked Ryan.

  “No. I need the Tempus, Commander Tucket, and Nora for a high priority mission.”

  Kat and Ryan gave each other sideways glances.

  “What mission?” asked Kat.

  “I am not at liberty to say, Dr. Kat, but since we have a lot going on, I need to split up company personnel for a variety of tasks.”

  “Sure. Makes sense,” said Ryan, and Kat nodded.

  “Now that we all agree. I am authorizing you and Dr. Kat to take the lead on finding Commander Tucket’s brother. You can take Dr. Kat’s recently upgraded ship.”

  Ryan looked at the CEO as he pondered this. Being alone with Kat was something he’d been avoiding.

  “Is there an issue with the assignment, Mr. Hunt?”

  “No, not at all. We’ll find his brother.”

  “Dr. Kat, you good with this?” asked CEO Klein.

  “I’m perfectly fine with this. It’ll give me a chance to test my ship upgrades.”

  “Commander, any idea where we should start? Any leads?” asked Ryan.

  “My brother was not a reputable pilot and would take specific piloting jobs that were less than…ethical, or too dangerous for a licensed pilot to take.”

  “OK. I have some ideas about where to start,” said Kat.

  “Excellent,” said CEO Klein. “You and Mr. Hunt are dismissed. I need to speak to Commander Tucket and Nora privately.”

  “Yes, sir,” Kat said as she and Ryan got up to leave.

  Commander Tucket followed them to the office door. “I really appreciate this. I owe you guys one.”

  “Not necessary. We’re glad to help,” said Ryan. “By the way, do you have a photo of your brother?”

  “I’ll forward a full image of him to your ship. Again, thank you.”

  

  Commander Tucket took a seat next to Nora, who made sure not to make eye contact with him.

  “Jack, please take your men and leave the room,” said CEO Klein.

  “Sir?”

  The commander gave Jack a slight nod, which made Jack grit his teeth. “You heard the CEO. Move out.”

  Jack waited for his men to leave and then followed them out in a huff.

  Once the door shut, the CEO continued. “What I am about to say is not to leave this room, and I will deny any knowledge of this meeting. Is that clear?”

  “Yes, CEO,” said Commander Tucket.

  “I agree as well,” said Nora.

  “We are all aware of Commander Seymour’s fate after the trial. A few days ago, I was contacted by an associate of mine that the commander was killed in a prison riot and his body cremated, but this is far from the truth. The prison overseer made a deal to sell him to the Woland, and they are moving him. I have kept this information from Dr. Kat and Mr. Hunt. I do not need Dr. Kat blowing things up looking for him.”

  “Makes sense,” said Nora. “She can be a hothead.”

  “I am glad you agree, Nora, because this is where you and Commander Tucket come in. Both of you will join up with Commander Gordon on the Tempus, intercept the transport ship, and get Commander Seymour back.”

  “Easy enough,” said Nora. “This should be a simple mission.”

  “I like the optimism, but we’ll work on a plan once we’re on the Tempus,” said Commander Tucket.

  CEO Klein stood up, as did Nora and the commander.

  “Good luck! Bring our man home,” said CEO Klein.

  Both Nora and Commander Tucket nodded, and CEO Klein left the room.

  Commander Tucket looked up, closed his eyes, and shook his head.

  “Did I say something inappropriate?” asked Nora.

  “You put a jinx on us by saying the mission will be easy.”

  Nora waved her hand to the side. “Foolish superstition.”

  Commander Tucket gave her a smile and pointed at her. “I hope you’re right because you’ll be the one the jinx comes for.”

  Before she could reply, Commander Tucket gave her a wink and left the room.

  Nora watched him leave, and she shrugged at the silly superstition. She quickly turned her head at the sound of a thud to her right and looked over to see an old-style picture of OTKE Headquarters that had been painted for CEO Klein. She walked over and picked up the painting. The protective front was cracked, and the cover had cut into the canvas. Turning it over, she noticed the device that connected the frame to the wall had somehow become detached. She analyzed the pieces but was unable to determine why it had failed.

  Looking around the room, she pondered the jinx comment, then put the damaged painting down. Just superstition and coincidences, she told herself before leaving the room.

  

  Ryan and Kat slowly walked back to the living quarters of the facility.

  “Sounds like the commander’s brother is the exact opposite of him,” said Kat.

  “Yeah, it does seem that way. I wanted to press further but thought it best not to. Do you think Diero-342 would be a good place to start?”

  “Well, look at you, starting to know the seedy places of the galaxies to get information.”

  “Only the ones you have taken me to.”

  Kat grinned. “You haven’t seen anything yet.”

  Ryan shook his head. “I don’t even want to know. Now getting back on track, do you think your contact Eyeball will know something?”

  “He’ll either know or point us to who does, but expect to lose another one of your handheld games.”

  “I expected as much. I’m going to start making two of eve
rything now.”

  “Look on the bright side, at least I’m not babysitting you this time,” said Kat.

  “I was doing fine until that creature tried to tear my throat out.”

  “And once again, I had to save you.”

  “Whatever,” Ryan said, rolling his eyes. “How long do you think we’ll be gone?”

  “I would pack for a long trip. Oh, and by the way, I had some new clothes sent to your apartment. They’re the beige pants, olive green tops, and tactical hat you like for these types of trips. I’ve also had them integrated with the latest in defense technology that will interact with your implants. I think you’ll like them.”

  “Thanks. I appreciate it,” said Ryan.

  “And make sure to take a shot for bodily waste disposal. I’m not sure where we might end up and—”

  The smell of spring flowers filled their noses, causing them to look around. A delegation from the Florarien embassy was making their way down the hallway. Ryan and Kat stepped to the side to make room for them, and they could now pick up a variety of flowery scents as the Florarien Ambassador, her staff, and guards passed them.

  The ambassador raised her lily-covered hand to stop her entourage. Her guards moved to form a protective wall on each side of her as she turned back and approached Ryan and Kat.

  “Greetings, Ambassador,” said Kat.

  “Greetings, Dr. Katalina. It is nice to make your acquaintance again and to finally meet Mr. Hunt.”

  “Nice to meet you as well, Ambassador,” said Ryan. “Thank you again for the hospitality your world has shown me. I hope to visit it someday.”

  “We would be honored to have you. We appreciate the actions you have taken to assist our people, and we treat our friends like family.”

  “That’s good to know. If you don’t mind me asking, where are you off to?”

  “We are meeting your CEO to discuss the current crisis with the Woland.”

  “I hope things work out for the best.”

  “As do I, but before I go, I would like to leave you with a vision I had about you.”

  “Vision?” said Ryan, slightly tilting his head.

  “It’s said the Florariens are tuned to the universe and can see things about people,” said Kat.