Ep.#5 - "Rise of the Corinari" by Ryk Brown Read Free Book Online

too have a stake in your decision. My people would benefit just as much as the people of Corinair, should you choose to share the jump drive technology.”
    “Yeah, that occurred to me as well,” Nathan admitted. “In fact, no offense, but I think my superiors would be more upset if I shared it with the Karuzari than with the Corinairans.”
    “No offense taken, of course, but the statement does surprise me. Surely you do not find the Karuzari a threat to Earth.”
    “Not at all,” Nathan assured him. “But in the eyes of some, you could be seen as an illegal rebellion that is trying to overthrow an established multi-system government. An admittedly brutal one, yes, but to be honest I don’t really know enough about the Ta’Akar to make that call.”
    “I understand your position, Captain, and I do not envy it. Perhaps it would be better for you to base your decision on what you do know, rather than what you do not.”
    Nathan nodded his agreement, turning to look out the window once again. The Ta’Akar were definitely ruthless, and their leader, ‘Caius the Great’ as he liked to be called, was indeed a megalomaniac. If there ever were an empire that needed to be taken down it was the Ta’Akar, and as best he could tell, that was exactly what the Karuzari were trying to do.
    “What will the Karuzari do if Caius is removed from power?” Nathan asked without preamble.
    Tug appeared to be caught slightly off-guard by the question. “I suppose the logical thing to do would be to let each world within the empire decide its own fate.” A chuckle rolled out of his mouth. “To be honest, Captain, in over thirty years of fighting the Ta’Akar, I have never really given it much thought. The Karuzari have only ever sought freedom from his tyranny, nothing more.”
    That was exactly what Nathan wanted to hear, and for a moment, he wondered if that was why Tug had said it.
    “However,” Tug continued, “I do not believe that the goals of the Karuzari or the fate of the Corinairans are what is troubling you. If it were, your decision would be easy. You fear the possible repercussions of your actions.”
    “Is that wrong?” Nathan asked.
    “Not at all,” Tug assured him. “Stupid men have no fear. Brave men have fear, but they do not allow it to prevent them from doing what they feel is right.”
    “But how do I know what the right thing is?”
    Tug could see the angst in Nathan’s eyes. “Nathan, as a member of your military, what is your ultimate purpose?”
    “To defend my world to the best of my abilities against any and all aggressors,” Nathan stated, quoting directly from the oath he had taken when he first enlisted in the Earth Defense Force.
    Nathan stared at Tug as the old man began to grin. “You just answered your own question, Captain.”
    Nathan’s demeanor suddenly became more confident. “Tell the pilot to change course. We’re going back to see the Prime Minister again.”
    Tug smiled wryly. “As you wish, Captain.”
     
    * * *
    “I apologize for returning unannounced,” Nathan told the Prime Minister, “but I believe every minute counts right now.”
    “Have you already spoken with your legal officer?” Mister Briden asked.
    Nathan was pretty sure that both Mister Briden and the Prime Minister knew exactly where they had been every moment since they last spoke, and that they were well aware that his only contact had been with his executive officer, Commander Cameron Taylor. “In a manner of speaking, yes.”
    “And what news do you bring us, Captain?” Mister Briden asked smugly.
    “In order for me to properly exercise my authority in this matter, I must propose a military and trade alliance between our people.”
    “I see. And what does such an alliance entail?”
    “First, all parties must agree to provide any and all military aid as is reasonably necessary to protect and defend the sovereignty of a member from any and all aggressors.” Nathan paused for a moment before