Time Salvager (Time Salvager #1)(80)
“We’ll need a new venue for our base camp,” Kuo said, cutting in front of Levin. “The transports can only land on flat zones. Those grounds are at a fifteen-degree slant. Our people will have to cross the entire basin to resupply.”
Levin leaned in toward her. “Just a slight inconvenience. It’s their land.”
But, of course, that didn’t stop her. Levin had seen individuals of corp privilege operate before, but none as callously and unabashedly as this woman did.
“We’ll take this center area,” she said, pointing to the field in the center of the village. “The transports require a seventy-meter clearance for loading operations.” She pointed at the nearest row of hutches. “That space will need to be cleared.”
The four monitors with them exchanged glances and then looked to him for guidance.
“Belay that order,” he said, then turned to Kuo. “Walk with me.” He was surprised she obliged. They continued down the hill away from the small crowd. “This isn’t necessary,” he stressed. “Antagonizing the natives over a minor inefficiency isn’t worth it. It’s a short walk up a damn hill.”
Kuo looked down the hill to where they were supposed to set up camp, then back up to the contested ground, then she gave him a flat stare. “Three hundred ninety-three meters distance, to be exact. Assuming your men are in Valta Security shape, they can cover that distance fully loaded with gear in a minute. Do you know how far a chronman can travel during that minute?” Before Levin could reply, she cut him off. “Assuming a lower tech level of bands, which I believe is the standard for band channelers of your agency, two kilometers. Now do you see why we need to be closer to the landing zone?”
“It’s not our land to commandeer,” he said.
“Savages living in the mud, beggars suckling off the generosity of the corps.” She brushed off his words. “The Earth Regent provides these natives year-round supplies of fuel and food stock during their winter months. Valta generously provides nine percent of Earth’s off-planet supplies, so unless these savages wish to have their welfare dry up, they don’t get a say in this. They better learn to tolerate the inefficiency of having those four hovels removed.” She started walking away, and then looked back at him. “Give the order. It is for the good of all parties involved.” She didn’t bother holding back the threat in her voice.
Levin watched Kuo walk back to the plateau and disappear into the transport. He swallowed his anger and glanced at the four men awaiting his orders. With a sigh, he joined them.
“Vonder, Linden, clear that row of buildings. Try to do as little damage as possible. You two set up a clearing zone for the transports.” He turned to the leader of the villagers and bowed. “Please walk with me, Venerated One. Allow me to explain.”
The Venerated One didn’t like what Levin had to say, and neither did the rest of the council. They had raised their voices and threatened to throw Levin and his men out of their village. At first, he tried to reason with them, to beg, apologize, and offer bribes of increased supplies, but in the end, he told them they had no choice. Kuo’s command would be followed, no matter what any of them said. In fact, by the time they had returned to the plateau, Vonder and Linden had cleared the entire area, flattening nine structures. Levin learned later on that four of the buildings were homes.
Levin’s head hurt, and for the first time in years, he turned his atmos off and felt the cold biting wind touch his skin. The chill immediately seeped through his cloak and uniform, causing his body to shiver, something it hadn’t done in a long time. He inhaled and felt the icy air seep into his chest. He watched the small cloud of steam leave his mouth and float away. He closed his eyes and took a few more deep breaths. These were trying times and things were only getting more difficult.
“Auditor,” Kuo’s voice cut through the air. “Your attention is required.”
Of course it was. Levin paused for just a moment before he cleared his head and walked with as much dignity as he could muster toward the transport. He stole a glance over at his men, who watched him make the laborious journey to the ship with a mixture of sympathy and uncertainty. For the first time ever, Levin felt shame for his position. However, Director Young’s orders were explicit. Valta’s contributions to the agency were too important to risk, thus compliance with their requests could not be an issue.
“There you are,” Kuo said, not bothering to look up as he entered the belly of the transport. She was leaning over a floating tactical display of Asia and the surrounding bodies of water.
“Your agency collies are too well cloaked,” she said, shaking her head in disapproval. “Why is that necessary?”
“Because not all ships are Apollo-class retrofitted battleships that pirates avoid in the Ship Graveyard,” he replied dryly. “It’s cheaper to cloak our ships from detection than it is to equip them for combat.”
“And more troublesome when one decides he no longer wishes to be found,” she added. “You are an auditor. Why are your people not tracked and accounted for?”
“They’re not cattle, nor property,” he said. “Besides, live tracking could affect their jobs. Previous centuries had far more advanced detection capabilities than does the present.”
“Pity. All high-profile Valta employees are continually monitored. Cuts down on corporate espionage.” She gestured with her hands and a three-dimensional map of the region appeared. Kuo made another quick motion and the view pulled backward to display a larger region. She signaled one more time and half a dozen blue dots appeared on the map.