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Pattel raised his massive hand to rub the nervous twitching of his broad, flat nose. “This is an unexpected offer and a most generous one. Obviously, I must discuss it with my clan’s council, but I’m sure we will work out a positive outcome.”
I liked the old man. He was a behemoth, like most men of his clan. His bloodline produced some of Braxia’s greatest warriors. It was smart of him to devise an economic plan that would help leverage the strengths of his clan. I couldn’t wait to see his clansmen in action in the arenas.
“Naturally,” I said. “Take all the time you need to review my partnership proposal. Please note that as the arenas will be part of the Hives, I will absorb the construction costs; you merely need to state what your requirements are.”
And with that, I sealed the deal. The construction cost of the single arena represented fifty percent of their investment. Now, there would be seven at no cost to them. They also knew I didn’t do half-measures so their arenas would be state of the art, above and beyond anything they could have built themselves. What he didn’t realize is that with this contract, his clan, like so many others throughout the empire, would now be beholden to me for their status and prosperity.
“My clan will be most pleased with this information. We will get back to you promptly on the matter,” Pattel said bowing his graying brown head.
“As for Clan Caldes,” I said, looking at Gerwin, “I’m afraid yours will not work… at all.”
Gerwin’s nostrils flared, the muscles of his arms bunching with anger. “Like hell it won’t! Our material is lighter and cheaper than titanium. Customers will want it.”
“Except no one will build their ships with duralium because it cannot handle the tremendous thermal and pressure requirements of frequent light speed travel,” I said. “Selling duralium sheets to shipyards isn’t an option. Your clan needs to come up with an alternative market, or transform it intointernalspaceship parts.”
Transformation would translate into a huge financial nightmare. First, they would need to figure out which parts to make, come up with a design that wouldn’t infringe copyrights and build the manufacturing facilities. And that still didn’t guarantee customers.
A muscle twitched on Gerwin’s temple. “That’s crap and you know it, half-breed!”
Pattel narrowed his eyes at Gerwin, while Jarvis and Toran gave him a nervous look. Gerwin was walking a fine line. Disrespecting your host in his own home constituted a huge offense. If he did, the other guests would side with the host or become offenders as well. That is, if the host called out the offense. Until then, they would sit back and watch.
I wanted Gerwin to cross the line. He had no idea what I had in store for him. Although bigger and stronger than me, he didn’t have my agility and quick wit. It didn’t hurt that William and a security detail stood at the ready in case things got ugly. While I expected Pattel to intervene, Jarvis and Toran could go either way.
“Careful, Gerwin,” I said. “You’re in my house and I’m doing you the courtesy of advising you on—”
“I don’t need your shitty advice,” he shouted, rising from his seat.
The rest of us all stood in response.
“You may have the Magnar fooled, but we all know better,” Gerwin said, taking a step forward. “I know what you’re doing, mutt. You’re trying to get back at me because I have the balls to tell you what an abomination you are. You do not get to claim host privileges, Myers. Had he any honor, your sire would have killed you like the dog you are. Time for me to rectify his mistake.”
Gerwin lunged at me. I dodged his lumbering attack. After slamming my elbow into the back of his head, I dashed back out of his reach. Pattel barrelled into Gerwin to restrain him. I hailed William on the com. I didn’t need to say anything; he would know to come immediately. Jarvis and Toran stared at the scene wide-eyed, uncertain what to do.
“Get off me, old man!” Gerwin shouted at Pattel, trying to shake him off.
“You will not dishonor my clan, you stupid fool,” Pattel roared, twisting Gerwin’s arm up his back.
“Mutts don’t count!”
In an unexpected move, Gerwin twisted free of Pattel’s hold. He swung a meaty fist at my face. I barely managed to dodge the blow. It would have crushed my skull, killing me on the spot. Instead, his momentum carried him forward. I whipped around and kicked the back of his head, sending him crashing into the wall. At that same time, the lift’s chime announced William’s blessed arrival.
Gerwin turned around with a roar, but Pattel and Toran jumped on him before he could come after me again. A good thing too. I probably couldn’t do enough damage to knock him out, while a single blow from him could kill me.
“Stand down,” William said, storming into the room with four security guards. His blaster, set to stun, aimed at Gerwin.
“You’ve done enough, Gerwin,” Pattel said.
I stood in front of Gerwin, with Pattel and Toran still holding him down. William and the guards closed in on our position, ready to intervene. Gerwin bared his teeth at me, breathing heavily, his hard face twisted with fury.
“Gerwin Caldes,” I said, “I have welcomed you into my home, provided you with food, refreshments, and comfort as was my duty as a host.”
“You are no host! You’re a mutt!”
I ignored him. “And you have thanked me by insulting me, and attempting to harm me bodily, with the intent to kill.”
“Your father should have killed you in your whore of a mother’s womb!”
“For this offense to my honor and that of my clan, I banish you and every member of Clan Caldes from all seven of my Hive space stations, be it for leisure or work.”
