The Copernicus Deception (The Human Chronicles Saga Book 15) by T.R. Harris Read Free Book Online

understand.”
    “You may deny that you are a contractor for the contraband smugglers moving throughout Affiliation space, but your record indicates otherwise. When word of your most-recent distress service came in, we moved to intercept the smuggler’s ship, with designs of providing evidence of your collusion.”
    “I’m not responsible for what’s aboard a service call vessel. That’s standing law.”
    “Whose law is that, Human? In Affiliation space, we make the laws. And in this case we deemed it legal for us to confiscate all ships and parties involved.”
    “I’m not aware of what the distress vessel was carrying. How could I? I received the call and I sent my crew out to investigate.”
    Adam saw a clouded look cross the face of the Visidoran officer. When she looked up, her eyes locked with Adam’s. “Are these also employees of yours”
    “No, they’re friends, fellow Humans of some importance and notoriety throughout the galaxy, brought here to help plead my case.”
    “Who are you?”
    “This is Adam Cain and Riyad Tarazi,” Copernicus said before Adam could reply. “Perhaps you’ve heard of them. They just returned from the Sol-Kor universe after defeating our mutual enemy. They are responsible for saving the galaxy, including Visidor.”
    “I have not heard of you, but I have heard of the Sol-Kor.”
    “You haven’t heard of them? Surely there must be others here who have?”
    Manis whipped her head around to stare at Copernicus. “Are you suggesting that I am ill-informed? I have been told Humans are arrogant creatures with extreme self-importance. Now you arrive with these two, claiming I should be impressed simply with their names.”
    “I didn’t say that. All I meant was that Humans defeated the Sol-Kor—these Humans—and as such, they are due some respect.”
    Adam blanched. He could tell by the expression on the Visidoran than all Copernicus was doing was digging the hole a little deeper with each comment.
    “Forgive my friend, Marshal Manis,” Adam said, deciding it was time to speak for himself. “He’s a little overzealous with his love of race. I’m sure you can understand that. We are also friends with the repair crew. Is there any way they can be released, seeing that all they were doing was following orders?”
    Again the clouded look.
    “Has something happened to them?” Adam asked, sensing something was wrong.
    “They are well. They are being detained at the prison of Fasnis.”
    “And yet there’s something troubling you.”
    “It is not a troubling, but a frustration.”
    “Please explain.”
    Manis closed the computer screen on the table and leaned back in the chair. “The frustration comes from the fact that we have investigated the smuggler’s ship and found nothing that would qualify as illegal cargo aboard.”
    “Wha…what?” said Copernicus stammered. “You didn’t find anything , no contraband?”
    Manis narrowed her eyes at the Human. “You seem surprised by the news. Is there something you know that we do not?”
    “No…that’s not it. It’s just that if you didn’t find any contraband aboard the ship, then why is it still being held?”
    “Along with the repair crew,” Riyad added, speaking for the first time.
    “It is because we have just concluded another thorough search of the vessel. All we found were a few restricted intoxicants in the crew quarters. Those have been removed.”
    “So I can get my ships back?”
    “And the service crew?” Riyad added again.
    “The documents are being prepared even now.”
    “Why didn’t you say that in the first place?”
    Manis leaned forward, her eyes burning. “As I said, we have a complete record on you, Copernicus Smith. We know you are involved with the cartels. You and your crews are not welcome in Affiliation space, and neither are your so-called celebrities. You should be aware that I informed the local Juirean authorities of your presence here prior to our meeting. Although