Intergalactic

„Good enough, agent.“, the officer on the holographic display boomed. „It’s not perfect but possibly the best we could hope for, for the moment.“

Elias sank deeper into the worn fabric of his pilot's seat, the cramped cockpit a stark contrast to the officer's pristine image. He had rented a small interplanetary ship, the kind the inhabitants of Binary Bloom used to take a quick holiday on the planet’s surface. Unlike them, however, he had taken it to the opposite side of Aethel, putting the pirate outpost into the planet’s radio shadow.

„And payment in intergalactic credits won’t be a problem?“. A frown creased Elias's brow as he scrutinized the officer's face, his eyes narrowed slightly. He forced his face into a mask of indifference.

His conversation partner was only a few lightyears away, but even with the high-powered planetary transmitter on his end, the delay for the signal was about three seconds. It was just about possible to have a normal conversation.

„We have a few million of those available. Who knew that music would become our main export for a few years? Especially the Felindar planets are big fans. So our exchange bank has taken in more intergalactic credits than we are spending, and we have some reserves sitting there for opportunities such as this.“

„Glad to hear that, sir.“, Elias responded. Then he raised an eyebrow and tilted his head ever so slightly to the side:„What about the Xylars?“

The seconds passed slowly, then the answer came: „We have a trusted intermediate. As soon as the core is in our hands, we will let them know that it is available for purchase. Let them join the bidding.“

„After our scientists took a good look at it, of course.“

The officer nodded. „Standard procedure for any core that we haven’t examined already. One day, we will unlock their secrets and humanity will take its rightful place in the galaxy. No more scavenging for scraps. Hyperdrive technology of our own."

Elias took a deep breath, crossed his arms and leaned back in the pilot chair. He said nothing to fill the pause.

„Anyway.“, his holographic conversation partner continued after a long while. Playing the silent treatment game took more patience over interstellar distances, but Elias had ample experience. The officer continued: „That is unlikely to happen in the near future, so we will need places like that pirate station and we’ll need you on it.“

Elias nodded slowly. „I’m aware how important this is. Still no luck with getting more alien tech through trade?“

„We are an anomaly in the galaxy.“, the other man sighed. “Most of them treat us like we would treat a toddler asking to play with a gun. Some of them don’t speak to us at all. And rumors have it that most of the aliens we do have regular contact with have a special, dumbed-down vocabulary for talking to us or other primitive races.“

„What did we expect?“, Elias mused, „Some of those aliens have been conquering the stars for thousands of years. Of course they are more advanced.“

The other man chuckled. It seemed strangely disconnected due to the delay. „It shows you’re not working in alien diplomacy. It’s not just technological progress. But enough of that. We need all that alien tech loot that the pirates steal to advance humanity. Your work so far have been invaluable, and if this one blows your cover, we will find another place for you to continue. There are plenty of pirate outposts in the seven human regions.“

„Give me a chance.“, Elias pressed, a hint of desperation in his voice. „It took years to build my network and gain trust among the pirates. I can keep the cover intact. Only a handful of people had to know, and for all they know, I’m just another fence with a different business front.“

Silence filled the cockpit of the rented craft. Then the holographic display returned to life. „Can’t afford losing you. I’ll let you try. But at the first sign of trouble, you will disappear, understood?“

„Thank you, sir.“