Benjamin laughed, a sparkle in his eye.

“What, did you think I was going to try to strong arm you into making a decision right away?”

Not entirely sure where to go from here, Kyle decided honesty was likely the best policy.

“That’s more in line with what I’m used to. So, yes.”

“You have to admit Kyle, that’s a pretty terrible idea for somebody looking to hire a bodyguard. The last thing I’d want is somebody who felt like they were joining under duress.”

Benjamin chuckled for a moment longer before composing himself, his face growing more serious.

“I do want to be clear on one thing though – this isn’t an offer available forever. It’s significantly more expensive for the firm to pay for you as a consultant than to be on my security team – even if you get a lot personally working for me. If we pay out for the entirety of the expedition to have you working one side, you won’t be able to turn around and switch your options without giving up the merit you’ve earned. Double dipping and whatnot.”

Kyle nodded. That much made sense, otherwise he’d have no incentive to make that decision.

“There’s a lot going on at once right now, and I want to make sure that whatever decision I make, I’m making it with my eyes wide open. How long do I have before we reach an ultimatum?”

Benjamin scratched his chin thoughtfully.

“What if we call it a month? Expedition is on hold while Chester figures out how to deal with some of the issues that popped up, and that gives you some time to ask around, get more information, and come to a decision?”

Kyle considered this carefully. A month both was and wasn’t a lot of time. He’d need a lot longer to get a better understanding of the broader landscape, though at the same time he was confident in getting some direct answers – and advice – from a few of his new connections on the ship.

“A month should work.”

Benjamin’s smile broadened. “Excellent! Now, let’s get down to business. I want to know more about your planet! As awakened worlds go, yours is interesting. On the frontier, but fairly close to some major trade routes….”

They stayed in the conference room for nearly two hours, with Benjamin excitedly asking Kyle about all different aspects of Earth culture and history. It quickly became apparent that he took a major interest in sociology and anthropology, particularly pre-awakening.

For his part, Kyle asked questions to the group about how the broader universe worked. Like the others had told him, there were major hub worlds run by the Collective, which people on smaller frontier worlds could reach through the use of what were essentially massive transportation arrays. While he’d originally thought the Collective would largely resemble the Central Authority, he was shocked to learn that it was wildly different.

A group of major governments came together under a series of treaties, which effectively created binding truces and trade agreements. With enough capital to buy in, any enterprise could choose to fall under the umbrella of the Collective. From there, they simply had to adhere to the rules and regulations set forth within the treaties and they were free to operate. What’s more, these enterprises were also afforded a nonviolent method of conflict resolution through a Collective arbitration board, as well as protection from threats that didn’t fall under the treaties.

Kyle was very interested in learning more about how they protected against those outside threats, but before they could continue their conversation each of their nav bracelets gave off an announcement.

[FOREMAN DRAKE HAS CALLED AN ALL-HANDS MEETING. MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE NEAREST MEETING LOCATION FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.]

“Well, I guess that means you need to get going. It was good talking with you, Kyle.”

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Benjamin stood and extended his fist, which Kyle bumped.

“Don’t be a stranger, I’d love to learn more about your world. Take good care.”

With that, the doors opened and Kyle left. He walked past a group of irate and impatient looking people in fancy black uniforms waiting right outside the doors. They really waited here the whole time? They’re either dedicated or desperate for Benjamin’s attention. Given the haste with which they poured back into the room, Kyle had to assume the latter.

Following his nav bracelet, Kyle made his way to the nearest meeting spot, where other crew members were already gathered. He recognized a few faces and exchanged waves and polite greetings, when a hologram projection of Chester appeared.

“As many of you have been made aware, there are confirmed D Grade presences planetside. Decisions are still being made as to how we will proceed, be advised that this does not excuse any of you from completion of your daily tasks on the flagship. Anticipate changes in many of the expedition teams, and report any individual concerns or requests to your captains by end of day. Individualized instructions will be forthcoming via nav bracelet.”

Kyle turned to one of the women he recognized – she served on Rochelle’s squad – and asked, “Why did they have us gather here? Couldn’t he have sent that via nav bracelet too?”

She laughed before responding to him.

“They used to do it that way, up until people kept ignoring the all-hands meetings. Chester started doing them this way a while back – and uses the bracelets to track who isn’t in a dedicated zone on time.”

They bid each other farewell, and before Kyle could take two steps his bracelet buzzed with instructions.

[KYLE MAYHEW, PLEASE PROCEED DIRECTLY TO THE COMMAND DECK TO MEET WITH FOREMAN DRAKE.]

That didn’t take long, Kyle mused, chuckling internally.

“You heard them, C.H.A.D.D. Onward and upward.”

[AS A POINT OF FACT, DR. MAYHEW, I WAS NOT REQUESTED TO ATTEND THE MEETING.]

“Unfortunately for you, we’re a package deal.”

Chester was waiting at the command deck, nearly a dozen screens each indicating different things on the planet. Kyle wasn’t sure what they were all meant to be, although one was clear to him. The image of a large, flying moth was clear to see, and his heart began to pound louder and louder in his chest.

“Mr. Mayhew, thank you for joining us.”

Kyle frowned, tearing his eyes from the moth. “Who is ‘us?’”

A loud voice crackled from a console in the middle of the room.

“You’ve met my great-grandson. I’m the chairwoman of the board, and I’m trying to figure out how to fix this mess.”

Kyle stiffened at that, meeting Chester’s eyes. Benjamin mentioned his great-grandmother while they were talking, and she wasn’t somebody to trifle with. Being the public face of Corthian Mining meant that she had to possess shrewd business acumen and the kind of power to command respect. Benjamin told him that she’d been leading the company for over a century, and had progressed nearly halfway through C Grade. Definitely not the type of person Kyle wanted to offend.

“Ms. Corthus, ma’am. Due respect, but this is out of my scope by quite a bit. What do you think I can do that your team can’t?”

“Mr. Mayhew,” Chester cut in, “if you’d be willing to listen, we will explain exactly that.”

“The long and the short of it is that scans show an incredibly valuable treasure in the sphere of influence of the creature Chester is showcasing, and we want it. We also know that this is a bad matchup for the forces we’ve sent your way. We have some workarounds, but I need to know if you’ve accepted Benjamin’s offer.”

She paused, taking a breath. “If you have, there’s nothing further to discuss. He isn’t going anywhere near this operation.” That last sentence seemed to be directed at Chester.

“If you haven’t, this might be the best opportunity you’ll get to earn personal merit. We’ve already taken more risks than we should have, though if Chester and Randolph were correct in their assessment I think you’ll be the right person to do what we’ve planned.”

There was a moment of silence as Chester regarded him, raising an eyebrow. Taking the hint, Kyle spoke. “I’ll see what I can do.”

They spoke for a while longer, primarily about logistics that Kyle didn’t understand. Finally, Angela Corthus ended the communication. Chester seemed to deflate a bit as he let out a breath.

“That went better than expected. Mr. Mayhew, you’ll have roughly two weeks aboard the flagship before we approach the territory of this D Grade. I suggest you prepare well.”

Kyle nodded in response, before asking a question that had been in the back of his mind. “Have your scans picked up the other two that I listed in my report?”

Chester shook his head. “While I believe you’re correct in your assumption that they are near the other treasures, we haven’t been able to pinpoint their locations. If we can, we’ll let you know. Go get some rest, the next two weeks are yours.”

Accepting his dismissal, Kyle walked back to his quarters. Upon arrival, he set the C.H.A.D.D.pack down and began to pace, speaking as he did.

“Alright buddy, we have two weeks. Time to make a list:

* Practice applying intent to mana and skills

* Spar with Skippy to better understand how STORM SHELTER works

* Learn more about Skrell and Goblin anatomy”

[THAT’S AN AMBITIOUS LIST, DR. MAYHEW.]

“You interrupted me before the end, C.H.A.D.D. You and I have a lot to talk about. Let’s start here, what’s your class?”