"New Amazona Spaceport South to Terran freighter, in accordance to the laws of GF trade treaties we inform you that we have six intelligent fission warheads locked on you. Please identify yourself within ten Ticks. If you do not comply you will be regarded as dangerous criminals and executed accordingly."
"Nice, aren't they." The captain sniggered after the raspy voice from the microcom had delivered its message. Myron, the helmsman, managed a nervous smile in reply.
The captain turned back to his console and gave his reply in the same droning voice that the NASS operator had.
"We are 'Free Lunch', freelance merchant, registered in Old Eurasia, ID: 791114SVE. We carry Terran cattle the New Amazonan government. We have license to conduct trade on New Amazona."
The captain transmitted the message as well as an attachment with the trade licence. NASS' answer came just a few seconds later.
"Confirmed. You are clear for landing on New Amazona Spaceport South. Be aware that warheads are still locked on you. It is very important that you do not stray from your course."
The captain sat back in his chair with a big grin at his helmsman. Myron let out a sigh of relief and sunk down in his own seat.
"Go tell the 'cattle' they can stop worrying." Said the captain.
Myron scowled and got up from his seat, "I don't see why we have to coddle so with them" he grumbled as he left the bridge. On the main screen behind him New Amazona glittered in the dark space.
New Amazona, Jewel of planets, Crown of the Galaxy, both pride and shame of the Federacy.
Pride because it was the richest and most luxurious of all inhabited worlds. Tourists flocked in millions to see its vast landscapes still untouched by civilisation, its white cities with their awe inspiring architecture, the many pleasure parlours that offered every entertainment imaginable, the gigantic bazaars where you could by virtually anything if you have the money.
Shame because you really could by anything. New Amazonas' wealth was largely built up on trade with illegal goods and services. Drugs and narcotics, sexual adventure, civilian and military weaponry, mercenaries, mind control devices, wild animals, slaves from every intelligent species, small countries, surgical improvements, antique wares, anything you could think of was bought and sold on NA.
Not surprisingly this led to a very lucrative market for smugglers, which was Free Lunch's real reason for coming here.
The 'cattle' in the freighters containers were actually a hundred illegal immigrants from earth, hoping to build a new, and richer, life on New Amazona. In return Free Lunch would pick up a batch of NAs' native species. The natives of NA were a slender humanoid people. Not very unlike humans, but with most of their bodies covered by silky fur and with almost feline faces.
Back on Earth they were greatly sought after by rich men and women their reputation of being very pleasurably love-slaves. As a smuggler you could get ridiculously high profits selling Amazonians, if you got away with it. |