Recruit: Book One of the Universal Conflict ( Under Constant Editing)

Chapter 45

  The cruiser reentered normal space a few lightyears from the galactic boundary. On the bridge Krystal gave the order to plot the micro jump past the boundary as a pensive Cory joined her.

  "Almost there," Krystal said "anxious to get home?"

  "Kind of." Cory replied, although he didn't sound like he was happy.

  "What's wrong?" Krystal asked as she sensed his mood "I thought you'd be more excited to be home."

  "Not now," Cory answered "the one job I never wanted was to ask others to put themselves in danger. I know we need the help, I just don't want to be the one to ask for it."

  "There's more to it than that." Krystal noted "Come on, spill it. What's bothering you."

  "I don't trust the people in charge on Earth. Some how, some way,  they'll try to infiltrate or impede our efforts until they find a way to profit from it." Cory admitted.

  "We're asking for volunteers from the public, not active military." Krystal said trying to appease Cory "We don't  want to weaken your planets defenses."

  "I know this, but you don't know my people. Those in charge are underhanded in just about everything they do." Cory said "They're professional liars and I don't believe a word that comes out of their mouths."

   "It can't be that bad." Krystal stated.

  "Actually, it's  worse. "Cory said "The politicos of my world are self centered, self serving, scheming, power hungry fools. They don't get the idea of serving the people without personal gain."

  "On Cinotae the leaders listen to the people." Krystal responded "If they don't, they get evicted from service, forcibly, at times."

  "Not so easy on Earth." Cory replied "All too often, they  make politics a career. Too many of them do that and those are the ones we have to watch out for."

  "Really? Greed is that pervasive in your governments?" Krystal asked.

  "Unfortunately. Many of them are controlled by big corporations who either flat out buy the votes needed to pass or veto laws or they make huge contributions to the campaigns of the politicians who will vote the way the corporation wants. Making or losing profits from proposed legislation drives the whole unholy mess we call government."

  "You really believe they're that corrupt?" she inquired.

  "Yes I do," Cory answered "and by the time we're finished here you will too."

  "You don't paint a very good picture of your own people." Krystal said.

  "I didn't paint it," Cory objected " they did it themselves. Over the last hundred years or so, they refused to listen to the people by passing laws the majority opposed or refusing to pass legislation the majority wanted." Cory tried explaining "Because of this, I don't trust any of them."

  Krystal thought about what Cory had told her. She had a difficult time believing the situation was that bad. On Cinotae the elected officials actually listened to the people. Although there were some who opposed the popular vote. Most laws passed benefited all the people. It was incomprehensible that any business or corporation could influence government the way Cory said.

  During her contemplations the corvette jumped past the Milky Way galaxys barrier. Setting the course to Earth, the ship entered stardrive and began the final leg of their journey. It would be two weeks before they reached Earth. Hopefully Cory would be wrong about his planet's governments capacity for corruption. If he wasn't, this mission could be very difficult to complete in the short time allowed.

  At maximum velocity the stardrive would get them to Earth in a couple of weeks. Until they reached Earth they had to figure out a strategy that would be beneficial to the fleet. One that  benefitted the people of Earth as well as the fleet. Little did she know that getting cooperation from diverse countries was going to be near impossible. She needed to talk to Cory some more so together they could come up with a plan that would work.

  Later that evening, ships time, Krystal entered their quarters to find Cory sitting on the bed staring at nothing, deep in thought. He looked troubled as he contemplated their next move. Krystal sat next to him and kissed him on the cheek. Cory looked at her and smiled, letting her know he was all right.

  "Can I be of any help?" Krystal asked.

  "You're helping just by being here." Cory stated "I'm just trying to come up with a plan that will bypass the politicians."

  "Any luck?" she inquired hopefully.

  "No," he answered "but I'll figure something out. It's about dinner time, how about we head to the mess to meet the gang?"

   "Sounds good." she said "Who knows, maybe one of them can help."

  "Maybe they can." Cory smiled at his mate "Let's go."

  Cory contacted the squad before they left for the mess so they would meet them there. When they got there the rest of the squad was already waiting for them. When Cory explained his dilemma the rest of the squad started to throw ideas around.

  "I still think we should send out a request for former military personnel." Rufe said "We can screen those who reply for current political status."

  "Trust me," Cory replied "you can't believe what would be seen. The powers that be will certainly try to infiltrate our ranks with informants and spies. They are not to be trusted."

  "How about you telling them that if we find any sign of deception," Hawk stated "we will send those personnel out an airlock. Without a suit."

  "That wouldn't stop them from trying." Cory assured them "All they want is power on Earth, they don't care what happens to anyone else."

  "It's unfathomable to think that those in charge could be so callous and uncaring." Surni said "Your world sounds so unfriendly but I know that most of those I met were nice people."

  "Confusing to say the least." Shoure stated "How is this possible?"

  "Individuals are pretty much like us. Open and friendly, however the politicians are devious. They say one thing then stab you in the back with their lies." Cory explained.

  "Well, we will figure something out in the next week." Krystal said, closing the meeting.