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He jerked his chin in confirmation. ‘It won’t. We have quantum jamming sensors around the perimeter of this room. Mirage is also actively monitoring and conducting continuous security sweeps of the building. So you can speak freely.’
‘Thank you,’ Selene said. She turned to face the five men and Mirage, choosing her words carefully while meeting each of their gazes. ‘One of our scientists, Harlow Meridien, has been developing a hybrid fuel by mixing refined xentium with elentium. The result is an incredibly rare fusion that generates never seen levels of anti-grav propulsion. It outputs more energy than anything we’ve seen before - even better than nuclear power and antimatter. However, it needs to be carefully tested and a suitable engine built. If not, using it could warp the space around ships significantly and even damage entire vessels or planets, which is why she’s also hoping to find a partner to co-design a fitting drive and engine for this hybrid fuel. However, she assures me that when handled properly, the fusion mix is highly stable and sustainable; very little goes a long way. In addition, she’s got a system that can recycle elentium and is working to do the same for refined xentium. This fuel technology will double the price and demand for xentium, as it can act as both a hard alloy in starship hulls and a stable, highly effective, sustainable energy source. And I can confirm on behalf of Harlow and the government of Dunia that we’re willing to share this with you and maybe work with you to develop it further.’
‘Fokkin’ hell!’ Kage breathed, snapping forward from his former back lean. He turned to Kainan. ‘You knew this,khosi?’
‘Nada. First I’ve heard of it,’ his leader said, his deep voice dipping even lower. ‘She’s full of surprises,’ he added, his eyes flashing with emotion and a fair share of respect as he stared at Selene.
Kage sat up even straighter and fixed his intense gaze on her too. ‘This could make our cruisers even faster and give our corvettes long-range strike capabilities.’
‘I know,’ she agreed.
‘And make our cargo runs and skips superior in terms of time and reach,’ added Xion.
‘Naam. Plus, help cut costs and possibly double revenue,’ Zane said, with a calculating look on his face.
‘And give us a strong advantage from a system-wide security perspective while improving our defence infrastructure,’ Mirage intoned from her perch.
‘Absolutely all of that,’ Selene said. ‘It’s a powerful advantage, and I’m mindful of the responsibility that comes with it. My father and I sponsored Harlow’s research. Mainly because we believed it would help us invest more in transport infrastructure. This will allow our people to find work and opportunity beyond Dunia, which has a limited population capacity and increase our people’s economic and social opportunities. In addition, we want this technology utilised for good and less for war. That would be one of our clear stipulations.’
‘Then it cannot fall into the wrong hands,’ Kage said hoarsely.
‘You’ve roused the lion, Selene,’ Riv said to Selene, casting an affectionate eye at his fellow Rider. ‘Now that he’s heard about this new fusion tech, Kage will protect it with his life. As shall we all.’
Riv’s words had the desired effect on Selene, and she relaxed slightly.
Kainan rapped a hand on the table. ‘Riders, we also owe Kei’Lano for all the aid he rendered us over the years. Without him believing in Eden II, we’d have remained a wasteland of depravity. We wouldn’t have become who we are today.’
‘Well said,’ Zane agreed.
The five men and the gyrfalcon did that sub-vocal talking thing again.
After some moments, Kainan turned to face Selene. ‘We’re all agreed in principle, so far, to consider your offer. Pending our internal discussions, naturally.’
Selene closed her eyes for a moment, relief rushing through her body. ‘Shall we then look closely at the existing agreement?’ She ventured.
‘Yes,’ Kainan said. ‘Mirage, please pull it up on the holo screen. Let’s see if we can’t make this as efficient as possible, for all our sakes.’
After hours of haggling and moving one too many numbers, concepts and arguments around, Selene’s negotiations with The Sable Riders wound down.
They had a rough deal in place. First, the Riders promised to discuss it privately later that night. Then, once they were all pleased with it, they promised Selene they’d entrust it to Mirage, who’d send it via a secure, tight beam to Rina and the Free Dunia Council, who were eagerly waiting on it for their feedback.
‘Shall we adjourn?’ Kainan suggested. ‘Perhaps a good meal and drink to relax after that stretch?’
Selene turned her tired eyes towards him. She felt her tummy rumble, and hunger won against her limb, numbing exhaustion.
‘Yes, please.’
He smoothly rose to his feet and extended a hand toward her chair to pull it out. She got to her feet and slipped her jacket on with his help.
She missed the amused glances his Sable Riders brothers sent their way. Instead, she looked up to find Kainan glaring at them. His head slightly tilted as he aphonically spoke to them.
‘Let’s get out of here,’ he grunted, obviously annoyed by something one of them said.
They walked away from the amused quartet into the glass-walled elevator at the corner of the vast meeting room. The lift smoothly slid to the floor below, and they stepped off into a sumptuous dining and bar area.
‘Welcome to The Osirian,’ Kainan announced quietly, leading her into the luxurious space.
‘What is this place?’ Selene asked, looking around at the indulgent parquet, the tessellated tiles, metal detailing, padded velvet booths and banquettes, adjustable lighting and plush upholstered seating, deep, cosy and private enough to encourage patrons to linger all night.
