Starlight Gleaming Ch. 18

Still. "The sergeant is a man of honor. He won't abandon his father."

The captain nodded. "I looked up the original contract, filed in Copán, capital of Chohinze State. The interest rate on the original contract was a standard one, with interest compounded monthly. It's normal procedure to extend a contract. This new contract compounds interest daily. To amend interest rates or to amend the compounding formula requires the signature of the indentured, and this one does both, but doesn't include signatures to the amendments. Because it's not official Ground Service business, I can't requisition a set of the files from Copán to make sure the page was just missing. As his commanding officer, you can follow up on this. I've included a link to the website in the file I gave you."

"Thank you, Captain Kilfoor. You've been a big help."

"There's more, Commander."

I raised my eyebrows.

Looking a bit sheepish, he nodded. "I took the liberty of looking up Jade Petticoat Services. It's a common tactic for companies that use the daily interest rate to have another company process payments. It's an unethical but legal way to delay payments to jack up fees for the indentured. Jade Petticoat Services is located in the city of Maychee. That's located in Inharana State."

"Inharana! That's clear at the south end of the southern continent!"

"It gets better. Or worse in this case. They take the electronic funds transfer payments, convert them to paper checks and then mail them to the client."

"Seven hells!"

The JAG officer nodded. "It's about five thousand rads from Maychee to Copán. The military withdraws the money from the person's bank account by the latest due date possible, ostensibly to keep the money in the hands of the military personnel for as long as possible. Jade Petticoat Services gets the money almost instantaneously on the day the payment is due. It takes a day or two for them to process the payment and mail the check. Each payment thereafter is received late by four to six days. That's business days, Commander, and remember, interest continues to accrue daily. Not illegal, but these types of people are worse than expecting an honest deal from an Aesir trader."

"Thank you, Captain. That's exceedingly helpful."

"One more thing, Commander. If the father has not signed off on the changes, let me know, as it would invalidate the contract immediately."

I frowned. "Does it matter that the processing company and the indenture holding company are both owned by the same people?"

He blinked. "What? Show me what you have."

I pulled out my laptop and opened the files I had on them. I showed him the various ownerships and the chain of companies. Chantamoco Investments and Holdings was wholly owned subsidiary of Ventac Securities Group. Through two holding companies, Ventac also owned fifty-one percent of Jade Petticoat Services.

"Can you look up who owns Ventac Securities Group?" he asked.

I pulled up a chair and typed away, and he looked over my shoulder. Within a few moments, I had listings for principle officers.

At the same time as he said, "Holy gods," I blurted out, "Kali's throbbing cunt!"

Ventac's main shareholder was one Pren Bayloks'mec. Former Commander of the Imperial Ground Service. Hero of Ventac Two. Father of Teela Bayloks'mec and wife of the late Tomin Hayantotichti, Lieutenant of Imperial Security. Tomin, who was dead, officially killed on the beach at High Guard War Base last year, and was now living as my brother Bilan.

"I take it you know who he is?" the captain asked.

"Only indirectly. Tell me what you know."

"To answer your earlier question, there is a relevant Imperial High Court decision. Jingsaway versus Je State. The court ruled that since both companies are owned in part or in whole by the same controlling entity, money received by one counts as being received by the other. Any interest penalties and fees from Chantamoco Investments and Holdings because of delayed payments from Jade Petticoat Services are null and void because both are owned by Ventac Securities. It's cause to seek an annulment of the contract due to fraud. The hard part is in enforcing any action."

"What are you saying, Captain?"

"I spent time at Copán War Base a few years ago. He may be retired, but Commander Bayloks'mec has a lot of power and influence in Chohinze State, and especially in Copán itself. He owns a lot of people, and not just slaves. Businesses, too. I have contacts in the Chohinze Chief Magistrate's Office, but with this? If you go poking around, it may prove dangerous. This is definitely something the Minister of Commerce would be interested in. But whether anything happens? Who knows. You might have to file in another state, and that gets tricky, especially since your residency is here at High Guard."

I closed the files and put away my laptop. Standing up, I pulled out my wallet and counted out two hundred credits.

He tucked the money into his breast pocket, looking thoughtful. "Thank you, Commander. If I can be of further assistance, please let me know. Will you give Sergeant Chita my regards?"

"You're friends with her?"

"More like acquaintances. I recall her being very knowledgeable on military regulations, including the Military Code of Justice. Her former officers were colleagues of mine. I even dated Haneeya once. Nasty business what happened last year, and their deaths a real tragedy."

I remembered them. Lieutenants Sheeya and Haneeya Chantowanti with the Air Service JAG office. The two suicides that Chita tried to save during the first days of the Drug Plot.

"I'll tell her you said hello. You've been a big help. Thank you again, Captain."

"Good luck, Commander."

* * * * *

Part 15 - A Trip is Planned

* * * * *

At dinner time, I explained what I'd discovered. Sowitwee and Nariya listened quietly. They had a lot to think about.

"Are you going to try and fix things?" Janetta asked.

"I've thought about it. I have the impression that Wit's father was framed, so that he could be forced into indentured status for the reduced labor."

Sowitwee looked up sharply at that, but said nothing.

I continued. "My focus is first on everyone here at this table, my duties to the Imperial Air Service, and on spreading the Unit Protection Order. I will pass this along to some people I know, but even though Wit's father would be freed in an honest court hearing, I've been advised that I would have trouble getting a fair hearing in Copán itself. Since that's the case, I will pay the funds to make the contract go away rather than try and fight it. It's not justice, but I'd rather not try and take on a rival lord in his own power base. Besides, I have my hands full here."

Janetta gave me an approving nod. "Thank you, Ranji. I know the injustice galls you, but in this case, I think you're doing the right thing."

The other women at the table nodded in agreement. Sowitwee, unable to look at me, sat at the table. Nariya took his hand into both of hers and kissed it.

"What are you going to do with Sowitwee's father once you free him?" Janetta prompted.

I looked at my aide. "It would probably be good for him to spend time with Wit and Nariya, and get a chance to see his grandchild. It'll be crowded, though. We'll have to figure something out."

"If there was another cot," Nariya ventured, "We'd be happy to share our room with him. I would be honored to spend time with the father of my husband."

I glanced at Janetta first, who shrugged.

"All right," I said, "it's settled. Calia, if we don't have a spare cot, can you please get one? Thank you. If things get too close, or your father wants something to do, we'll discuss our options. If he wants, with some money in the right hands, we can talk to the guild people near my parents, show them the evidence, and maybe we can even get his Master Certificate restored."

"How are you going to get him here?" Janetta asked.

"I'll take a couple of days off. Wit and I will go get him. I want to make sure the payments and documents are notarized and filed with the court in my presence, so they can be immediately placed into his military record. Janetta, are you interested in coming along? We could bring the whole family. Maybe see a few local sites?"

Janetta frowned. "I'd love to, but I have training coming up about some new ordnance. When I'm not in the air, I'm going to be in classes for the next two weeks, so I'll be late getting home every night."

"I am disappointed, but it can't be helped. Cholan? Is it alright to discuss your situation?"

Cutting up a piece of roast, Janetta took a bite, and raising her eyebrows pointedly, looked at her E-man.

Scooping up some mashed potatoes and gravy, Cholan shrugged. "I guess so. It's not a secret."

"And?" Janetta prompted.

"I gave my parents some money." She looked uncomfortable, and suddenly I felt bad for bringing it up in front of everyone. Cholan was family to me and to Janetta, but this was about her blood kin. Still, the issue had bothered her enough to ask my permission before sending the money, so it would be important for Janetta to know about it as well.

Janetta paused in her eating. "How much money are we talking about?"

"Twenty-two thousand credits," Cholan said quietly, staring at her plate.

Ixma choked and most of the others looked at Cholan in astonishment.

Janetta picked up her cup and sat back in her chair. "Was this a loan to your parents, Cholan?"

She shook her head. "I don't think so, Captain. Nothing like that was talked about. My father and mother said they needed the money, so I sent it to them."

"That's nearly all the money Lord Kandikan gave you. He gave that to you to protect you in case something happened to him. With good investments, you could have lived comfortably on that. You were okay with this, Ranji?"

"Of course. I told her it was up to her. Yes, the money I gave to each of you to provide a safety net in case something happened to me. However, there were and are no strings attached to the money. It's yours to do with as you like."

Janetta sighed before speaking. "I get that they are your family, Cholan. They tell you they have a need and you, the dutiful and honorable daughter, stepped up. How was it they learned you had the money in the first place?"

"I told them, Captain." Blushing, she added, "I was telling them about the commander, how he takes such good care of all of us. How when he left, we were all so afraid for his life, and despite going into danger, how he made sure each of us were taken care of."

"And they didn't tell you why they needed your money?"

"No, Captain."

"I see." Janetta sat her cup down. "What goes on with your parents and family is your personal business, Cholan. Obviously, Lord Kandikan thinks of you as part of his family, and so do I. As your officer, however, I'm concerned. That was a small fortune you gave them. If it turns out there is some family emergency that you need to attend, let me know. Everyone here will do their best to help you deal with it."

"Cholan's parents live in Copán," I said. "It's been a couple of years since she's been able to see them. If you can spare her, maybe she come with me and should go pay them a visit."

Janetta looked at Zinja, who glanced at Ixma, then nodded to her officer. "We can make do without her for a couple of days, Captain."

"Then I guess Cholan's going to Copán." Janetta resumed eating her dinner.

"Thank you, Captain," Cholan told her.

Grinning, Janetta said, "Just because I'm a hard-ass doesn't mean I'm heartless."

"Do you need to see the doctor?" Sisi asked Janetta.

"No. Why?"

"To fix your hard-ass. So you can poop like you're supposed to."

Zinja choked on her drink. It was several minutes before the laughter died down.

* * * * *

Part 16 - What Could Happen, Right?

* * * * *

Three days later, at zero-seven hundred hours, I was on the ramp of a Condor preparing to leave High Guard War Base. With me were Sergeant Sowitwee and Cholan.

Waiting at the ramp to see me off was my Second, Captain Doyya Lovyanchiti and her XO, Lieutenant Minhawee. Also with her were Lieutenant Yalcamara Tchanoonka and her able sergeant, Stimmi Parletl. With them was Third Sergeant Uway "Mack" Sonoctamack, and an entire Air Security platoon, fully geared up, including field packs. Forty Air Security going along at Doyya's insistence to make sure Sowitwee, Cholan, and I returned home safe.

As Stimmi led the troopers aboard the Condor, I looked at Doyya. "Is this really necessary?"

"Yes, sir," she replied. "Llam nuqan, Commander. Chita brought us up to speed on what you're walking into. Captain Tlacotli thought it was a good idea. Jay, Pen, and I agreed. Besides, Commander, you'll be bringing back a dozen new vehicles for us on the return flight. Senior Sergeant Chita is very efficient."

"I see." I saw the respect in her eyes, but also the growing confidence to speak up and challenge me if she thought it necessary. I was pleased. "You're growing quite a pair, Captain."

She grinned. "I was born with the pair I have, sir."

I snorted. "So you were."

Doyya continued. "Everyone going with you volunteered, sir. They will keep you safe from riffraff. Yalcamara, bring our commander back home safe or I will nail your hide to my office door."

"Yes, Captain." The two warrior women shook hands, smiling at each other.

Then Doyya and her detail came to attention, saluting me. I returned the salute and boarded quietly, knowing when I had been outmaneuvered. Yalcamara and Mack pulled up the rear.

Fifteen minutes later we were buckled in and rising in the air. I looked at Cholan. Her eyes were squeezed shut and music played from the earbuds beneath her ear protectors.

There were probably close to three hundred passengers as well as scores of empty cargo pallets stacked together. Some of the people talked quietly. My own ear protectors on, I bundled up my flight jacket, folded my arms, and closed my eyes.

Three and half hours later, we arrived at Sentry War Base outside Tohingo. We had a three hour layover, waiting for the next Condor heading to Copán.

It was raining sheets of water, but none of us melted so we made it under cover in good order.

Bilan and some of his people met us, and we drove to the cafeteria for an early lunch. I introduced him to Sowitwee, Yalcamara, Stimmi, and others. He gave Cholan a smile.

"Yalcamara," Bilan said. "You need to be on your toes with Commander Kandikan here. He's doing good things, but that means he also likes to stir things up. Not that it's not warranted, mind you. But it makes things interesting."

"I do not!" I protested.

Yalcamara looked askance. "With all due respect, Commander, but what about your fight with the general? You ended up in the hospital."

Both Stimmi and Sowitwee nodded in agreement.

Bilan looked at Cholan, and she added, "He does cause us a lot of worry."

Bilan raised his eyebrows at me. "You fought a general? This I have to hear!"

Yalcamara proceeded to tell him the story. Hearing something I myself experienced told by others can be enlightening. Many of the troopers with us were familiar with the story, yet they gathered closer to hear.

When she was done regaling her tale to my brother, Bilan looked at me. "Tsk-tsk, Ranji. You should have told me this story yourself."

So he proceeded to tell them about going to visit Janetta's mother, my being targeted by rival agents and the fight in the street, the fight with the local gang, and then the firefight later that same night. "And he did it all while suffering a concussion!"

"How did he get hurt?" Yalcamara asked.

"Who hit him?" asked Cholan, concerned.

"Captain Tlacotli's mother," Bilan intoned.

Cholan blanched. "Does... does the captain know you saw her?"

I nodded.

"Oh, yes," Bilan replied. "Your captain read him the riot act for almost ten minutes straight. Half the things she told him to do are anatomically impossible." Several snickers at that. "But once he explained what the misunderstanding was, your captain calmed down."

Stimmi shook his head. "I've seen you practice, Commander. How did she injure you?"

"It's amazing how much damage a frying pan to the back of the head will do, especially if you are distracted, which at the time, I was otherwise engaged," I answered grimly. Bilan snorted with amusement. "It doesn't matter how skilled a Warrior you are, if you don't see it coming, it can take you out."

Several nods at that. Yalcamara gave the platoon an hour liberty to shop, with a warning to not leave their partner alone. Just like at High Guard, the Commissary was within a couple blocks of the cafeteria.

When we were in reduced numbers, Bilan talked about Meeno and Ai-Eesa and their son. Their farm was about fifteen rads from my parent's estate, and the family were doing fine.

Bilan's admin sergeant had already sent me a detailed report as well as all the paperwork for purchasing the land and equipment, and Meeno was working hard to get his spring crops planted. The weekly follow up reports let me know his wife was learning how to use the tablet and the Queschuan language faster than her husband, but the sergeant ascribed that to Meeno spending long hours getting the farm into production.

We had a good time talking. At the end, as we were packing up to leave for our transport, Bilan talked privately with me.

"There a reputable barrister in Copán that I recommend you use. His name is Inoye Ranimo, and his rates are reasonable. I've retained him and he will meet you outside the Copán Magistrate's Office at the State Courthouse. I've already sent you his phone, photo, and contact information to your email address. Can I see your phone?"

I handed it over to him. "This is the phone number for Field Commander Brenaka. He used to be in Training, but now he's in Operations. He knows Styen, and I've already told him you are arriving this afternoon. If you run into any trouble, give him a call. Styen says he's a good officer." He handed the phone back to me, which I pocketed. "If you haven't yet, you should forward all this information about Sergeant Sowitwee and the contract to Tikun Travel."

"I did that last night," I replied.

"Good." We hugged, and he added quietly, "Take care, Ranji. I'm pleased to see you aren't alone this time."

"I can't claim credit for it. This was Doyya's idea, and my other two trooper company commanders supported her."

"Your Second is a little green yet, but she's quick on the uptake. And she's figured you out."

I laughed. "No shit. Say hello to my parents, Rana, and your boys for me, will you? Sisi asked me to make sure to say that she misses both of her Princes."

He laughed and shook his head. "She can only have one son, Ranji. Just one."

That'll be up to Sisi and his sons, I thought with a smile to myself.

Bilan made me promise to visit soon.

We collected our people and boarded for the hour-long flight to Copán.

# # #