The World Futurely Known as Homeworld

  The chairwoman sat at her desk in the capital building of the world government. She was theoretically the most powerful person on the planet. However, you didn’t get anywhere near her position in government without learning that the real power lay hidden in the shadows with families and organizations that made the big decisions.

  Twelve years, she had been at the pinnacle. She was young enough she could remain at the pinnacle for another twenty. However, big changes were coming. Across from her sat her greatest rival. The leader of the opposition. Her greatest rival since university. Even back then, they both had a good idea what their futures held. They just weren’t sure who would be picked for which role. As fate would have it, the powers that be had decided it was time for her party to take control not long after she had risen to prominence.

  “The more things change.” The man toasted her.

  “Things are changing a bit more than usual this time.” the chairwoman replied as she received a notification over her neural link that their guest had arrived. The key parts of the building had been cleared of non-essential personnel. She and her rival and the security forces were the only ones present.

  Down in the basement the strange device that the Stutzen techs had installed for them lit up and the lights in the building flickered from the enormous power draw. A tall man with oversized eyes appeared and pulled a hood up to hide his face and greenish blue skin.

  The man was guided by security personnel up through service hallways to the chairwoman’s office. Once they had entered, the chairwoman waved for the security to leave. Only their commander stayed. The tall man handed the chairwoman and her public rival a device and motioned for them to place it over their ears.

  Once both of them had the device in place, the man spoke. “Greetings Madam Chairwoman and Caucus Leader. I am Dreymon. I represent the Draskari Sect in their negotiations to secure the rights to mine your planet once the integration is complete. Your lords have made a tentative agreement to give us those rights in exchange for ensuring that they and your government remain in control of this planet.”

  “What assurances can you give us that we will remain in power?” the chairwoman asked.

  “We will be funding a mercenary force of at least 10,000 warriors to provide security and train your forces.” The man said.

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  “10,000. What difference can 10,000 make?” The caucus leader asked.

  “The mercenaries will integrate at level 20 with appropriate levels of weapons and armor. Compare it to one of your armies or even a group of those airborne fighting vehicles you have going up against forces from 200 years prior. That is the difference in power between a level 20 and a level 1.”

  “What will keep these mercenaries from just deciding to take over and throw us out?” the chairwoman asked.

  “They will have a system enforced contracts binding them to the 18 lords and the 10 chosen members of government. Nearly a quarter of the force will be assigned to the two of you.”

  “What good is a contract against their overwhelming strength?” the caucus leader asked.

  “The system will inflict severe penalties resulting in a loss of levels and most likely death if they violate its terms.”

  “What is the mineral that the Draskari will be mining?” the chairwoman asked

  “It is a renewable resource that planets naturally accumulate and will replenish over an insignificant amount of time.” Dreymon carefully answered, understanding that his definition of an insignificant amount of time and even the name essence might make the negotiation more difficult.

  “If it is renewable, why is it so valuable?” the chairwoman asked.

  “It is used as a power supply and for enchanting weapons and armor. Its crystal form is most easily gathered from newly integrated planets. However, it will be many decades before your people have reached a level from which they can actually properly use the resource. I also feel the need to remind you that your lords have already agreed to the terms of the contract. We are just here today to assign the system contracts to the two of you and your subordinates. If you do not wish to sign the contract, I’m sure they could find alternatives to move forward.”

  The more things change… the chairwoman thought as her rival took another drink. Dreymon pulled out a crystal and said, “Just place your hand on the crystal and follow the prompts agreeing to the terms.” Dreymon said as he motioned for the caucus leader to go first.

  Once they had finished, Dreymon handed the chairwoman a folder. “Inside you will find a training manual and a list of weapons and resources you should begin stockpiling. You should begin training your key security personnel immediately. You have only six months until the integration. Once I confirm with your lords that the contracts have all been assigned, you will receive a redacted file to distribute to your personnel that should work as justification to adapt to the training protocol. Congratulations on your continued leadership. You should be contacted by the Draskari sect within 100 years.”

  “100 years?” both members of government exclaimed.

  “Ah yes. Forgive me. Your world will be greatly expanded upon integration. The less populated areas will see major geographical changes and new species may be introduced. The planet will also be moved to a new location within the system. That location will remain hidden by the system for the first 100 years. The humans that dominate this planet will be able to achieve much greater longevity as they adapt to the system. 100 years is a minor amount of time for you as long as you follow the guidelines we have laid out for you within the training manuals.”

  “Other species? Will they be integrated at level 20 like the mercenaries?” the caucus leader asked.

  “Doubtful. Beasts of significant power to be able afford to integrate at that level rarely choose to participate in an integration and the sapient races that choose to will be small in number and placed far from your population centers.” Dreymon said, choosing not to mention option 2 of the Daskari plan.

  The two rivals could only shrug at each other and open the file they had been given as Dreymon was escorted from the office. "What the hell is a tetsubo?" They both asked at the same time.