Chapter 42: Oathes

Daniel Venata

*Tap* *Tap* *Tap*

I tapped my fingers against the holographic chair, staring into the other man's eyes.

"Commander Borak, you must wonder if I found your cargo?"

Borak's eyes widened. He'd been hoping that the cargo he was responsible for had remained hidden, but that hope had just been dashed. He lowered his head, shame coloring his face.

"I did, but it seems I failed to keep it from you, Commander Venata?"

I nodded, not bothering to brag or push the man's face in his failure. I still had use for the man, but that could wait until after he had answered all of my questions.

"I brought you here to have... a conversation about your future." Borak looked at me sharply, and I could see a faint trace of fear in his eyes, but it was gone too fast to be sure.

"I won't be ransoming you off, at least not yet, for I have no use for your family's money."

I steepled my hands together, holding his gaze.

"You hold a unique position, Baron, in the politics of the Illion Empire. Your father, Duke Borak, leads one of the most influential factions in the king's court, while your mother's family runs one of your empire's most profitable transgalactic corporations."

I swiped my hand over the desk between us, and the images of his chief officers floated in blue and silver light.

"I don't know if you're aware, but your little crew here represents some of the most powerful factions in your empire. Who knew so many heirs to such prestigious families would be assigned to one ship and under the command of their greatest ally no less."

I watched Borak carefully, seeing the thoughts forming in his mind. He was young, only 36, with dirty blond hair and shining green eyes. He was undoubtedly a competent commander in his own right, but I had read through the information SAI had extracted from Infix's data banks. There was more behind this boy's eyes than mere tactical acumen.

"Now, let's get down to business. I will keep you and your chiefs aboard my ship for the foreseeable future. Your crew and the Clar will be set free, although I disabled their navigation systems, so it will take them a while to find Imperial space.

You will be kept in your current quarters, and food will be delivered on time each day cycle. Cleaning and other related services will be carried out without interruption, or you will be removed from your cabins and placed in less opulent quarters."

I swiped the images of the chiefs, bringing up another image, and Borak gasped a little at the sight.

"As for the cargo you were carrying, let's just say I'm interested. My techs have already reverse-engineered its properties and capabilities, but it is taking longer than expected. So, you have two options. Tell me where you were transporting this piece of tech and its origin..."

I glared at him, leaning into my captain's persona.

"... or I find out myself, and I imprison you and your friends in the brig. Your choice, commander." I laid the sarcasm on thick with the last word, but I needed him to understand his situation. He and his crew would be stuck on the Ventor for quite a while, so an agreeable relationship with him would make my life easier in the long run.

Borak sat silent for a moment, thinking furiously. It was clear that he didn't want to subject his crew to the brig, especially after spending the night in the diplomatic suites. I'd intentionally let them sleep in the luxurious cabins so that this request would succeed more.

In the end, SAI would figure out where they came from anyway, but it seemed prudent to establish a positive relationship with my prisoners to make them more susceptible to working with me and my Marines.

After a few minutes, Borak looked up, his face set.

"Commander Venata, I don't think I can betray the oath I made when I accepted a commission in the Navy. Neither my officers nor I would break that oath without at least some assurances on your part." He held my gaze, but I could see the wariness playing behind his green eyes. He wanted to accept, but his honor demanded he bargain first for the best conditions. I held his gaze, nodding slightly.

"What do you think you need?"

"Only three things, Commander.

First, I would like to know that none of my men will be harmed during and until our confinement to your ship ends.

Second, I would like at least some freedom of movement given to us. If you prove the proper stimulation to my chiefs, they will be much more willing to work with you.

Finally, I would appreciate the chance to observe you during our stay here. You can prevent me from doing so when you need to conceal something, but I could learn a lot from you. I only ask this final question to improve myself, and I know you don't serve the Feds, so you wouldn't reveal anything that would get you into trouble with your contract holder."

Once he finished talking, Borak sat back in his chair. He looked apprehensive, failing to hide it behind such a lax posture. I looked at him, considering his requests. The first two were easy. He had no intention of killing or torturing his prisoners, and SAI had a list of recreational rooms I could as to the residential level, including a gym, pool, and what looked like a theatre of some sort.

The last request was unexpected. I could see the eagerness in the boy's eyes when he asked to observe me, but I was unsure of what he wanted to get out of such an activity. Did he truly only wish to see me in my capacity as a commander, or did he want to puzzle out the tactics I used in hopes of sharing them with his superiors back home?

I nodded, although it was reserved.

"I can fulfill these requests, but I will have the respect due to the warship commander. Am I clear, Commander?"

Borak nodded, and I could see a twinkle in his eyes. He was excited to watch me, huh?

Well, let's see his he can keep up.