Midshipman Henry Gallant in Space

  * * *

  After the hearing, Gallant was surprised when he was asked to visit Gerald Neumann in his suite at the New Annapolis, Hilton Hotel. A limousine was waiting for him. This was the last thing Gallant wanted to do after his hours of “inquisition” by the senatorial committee, but he couldn’t think of a way to refuse the request of one of his shipmates’ parents.

  Maybe he just wants to ask about his son, thought Gallant.

  Gallant arrived at the hotel. A doorman dressed in a custom uniform with many buttons and flourishes greeted him and handed him off to a tuxedoed butler, who escorted him to the hotel’s premiere suite. As he entered, he could only stand and stare. The suite was luxurious beyond anything Gallant had ever imagined. Paintings by old masters hung on the walls; oriental carpets of ancient weave covered expertly laid rare tile. Furniture of centuries long past adorned the rooms. All the furnishings were imported from Earth. The windows revealed stunning views of the Mars landscape. The indulgent opulence was so excessive that Gallant was embarrassed that such extravagance could exist in a universe were ordinary people still scraped by for a living.

  Another butler led Gallant inside and showed him to a chair. He offered him dessert and refreshments. Gallant sat in uncomfortable silence for nearly half an hour before Neumann arrived.

  Gerald Neumann was tall and fit. He was strikingly handsome and still looked young for his fifty-five years. He walked up to Gallant with his hand extended.

  “Let me tell you how impressed I was with your heroic journey, as well as your exceptional talents.”

  Gallant said, “Thank you, sir.”

  “I hope this visit isn’t inconvenient. My son has spoken of you several times. He is doing fine, by the way. I just received the latest update about his recovery from his wounds.”

  Gallant said, “I’m glad to hear that, sir. He’s an outstanding pilot and respected by all aboard Repulse.”

  “That’s fine. Now, I’d like to tell you a little about myself,” said Neumann with a smile, a smile unpleasantly familiar. It reminded Gallant of the mask-like smile that the senators had worn.

  “Sir?”

  “I was born on April 17, 2115, in New York City. After working for my father, who was a very successful shipping and mining businessman, I started my own company in 2138. In my early years, I learned much from my father that proved vital to my later success. My father was a leading industrialist who took me under his wing and mentored me. I learned about management and cost control during those years. I learned to reorganize enterprises into conventional joint stock corporations. I envisioned an integrated industry that would cut costs, lower prices to consumers, and produce in greater quantities. It helped me with my first investments. When I consolidated the mining business, accusations were made by the newspapers about my tactics. But I have always endeavored to maintain excellent relations with politicians, who helped me resolve those public issues. The company I built was the first major business on Mars, and NNR remains the largest today. I have always been sharp in realizing an advantage when there was one. I often sought out distinct technologies that gave me leverage over my competition.”

  Neumann seemed to enjoy talking about himself. He snapped his fingers, and a butler appeared with a cigar. He placed it in his mouth while the butler offered a light. He puffed on the cigar as he continued, “During my career, I’ve accrued wealth, power, and influence, but I’ve also attracted a lot of media scrutiny. In the late 2100s, much of the UP industries are now in the hands of a few powerful business leaders, including myself. I was criticized for creating monopolies by making it difficult for other businesses to compete against me. Needless to say, I am never bothered about such accusations.” Neumann patted himself on the chest as he spoke. “Sometimes one individual can change the order and structure of an otherwise chaotic situation. Such a person rises above the common man.”

  He shifted to a more personal topic. “My first marriage, to Amelia Theodore, was brief. She died a few months after our son, Anton, was born. Five years later, I remarried.” He cleared his throat and continued, “I have many interests beyond the world of shipping, however. I enjoy sailing, and I won the Earth’s Cup yacht races. As you can see, I am an ardent art collector and have an extensive collection.” He waved his hand at some of the examples before them.

  Then he started to get down to business, “Today, I dominate two industries. I did that by consolidating space shipping and mining. I am now interested in anti-proton fuel production, a crucial material in our future growth within the solar system. So, you can see my interests are extensive.”

  Gallant remained silent. Neumann said, “My son sent me information about you. That, plus everything I’ve learned from the hearing concerning your unique abilities, leads me to an inescapable conclusion. You have significant potential, and therefore you interest me.”

  “I’ve explained all this to you because I want you to be impressed with what I am willing to offer you to work for me. You will be invaluable to me in directing commercial shipping safely and efficiently on optimal routes avoiding asteroids and aliens. I will make it well worth your while financially. In addition, you needn’t concern yourself, any further, about court martial charges, or investigations. It will be no trouble getting you reassigned to me, or even released from service, if you prefer.”

  He waited, and then added, “In every crisis, there is an opportunity. This is yours.”

  Gallant knew he should find a diplomatic and polite way to turn down this powerful man, but when he found his voice, he couldn’t restrain his outpouring, “We have very different opinions of what is valuable in this world. I’m very proud of my service. There is nothing you can offer me to make me abandon my shipmates, or my duty. They depend on me and I will not desert them.” Gallant stood up, and with his jaw clenched, he said, “Now, if you’ll excuse me.” Without waiting for an acknowledgment, he turned and walked out.

  Neumann seemed stunned by the blatant refusal to yield to his wishes. He remained in a rigid posture in the center of his lavish suite watching Gallant leave the room.