Chapter 6

Reluctantly, Zeke asked, “Burnie, would it be inconvenient for me to leave the ship here for two days while I get her space ready?”

Burnie was about to say no, but decided that, in good faith, he had better say yes. He had already damaged his relationship with Zeke, and he wanted a favour, too. He was actually glad to find that Zeke wasn’t under arrest.

“Look, Zeke, I know I’m asking a lot, but what’re my chances of you letting me build ships to your designs? We finished the fit-out a week ago, and I have been asked ten times already if I can build more. My main competitors don’t really build small freighters like this one.”

He held up his hands, “Yes, I know I’m not your favourite person right now, but honestly, I want to build this style of ship. We built your design in half the time it takes to build other designs we have been given.”

“General Rahn wants to swap the third ship they commissioned for this class and get two more of the same class. He only has a few minor modifications, like turning some of the small storage rooms into cabins for a six-person crew.”

“I think your suggestion would work for him. He even loves your weird helm. I can offer you ten percent of the sale price and still make enough even if I sell them for less than what Art was willing to pay.”

“I would have to check your books regularly,” Travis interjected.

“Fine by me. I also promise not to sell a ship that has been paid for without the owner’s consent unless their family produces a death certificate or body. Believe me, I have learnt my lesson. Both of you could have bankrupted me and sent me to prison. I appreciate the fact that you didn’t.”

Zeke looked around at Art, “He does do good work. Although, I’d rather have ten percent of his company. I can possibly give him the installation work for the new shield and reclaim unit. They can be added to existing ships. I plan to sell them as a plug-in kit.”

Burnie looked at Zeke in shock.

“About those patents, Zeke,” Travis interjected before Burnie could respond.

“We have had an offer from Queen Lee’s company, Troikas Inc., to buy the designs of the shields or, at the least, the right to build and sell them on Harmony. I must say that both offers were extremely generous.”

“Also, UNSEC has somehow managed to view the designs. They have informed me that they may have to confiscate them because they may not be able to fire on or board ships using them.”

Zeke shrugged, “Call UNSEC back and tell them they are already patented on Mars and Harmony. People will be able to buy them and get them installed on those planets and any other that wishes to pay me for the rights to install and sell them.”

“Before you do that, accept Queen Lee’s second generous offer. Then UNSEC, the SSG and the ESC won’t be able to ban them. We all know Earth is afraid of her. That way, I can sell Burnie the kits and software.”

Burnie looked flabbergasted as Art and the boys started laughing.

Burnie gasped, “I’ll have to expand. Every man and his dog will want one. I’ll be inundated with work!”

“Is that a bad thing?” Zeke asked blithely. He patted Burnie’s back. “So, ten percent of your company, I’ll even dib in some cash for expansion. Travis can be my board member, and you make the first ship for Art and Joey. Deal?”

“I’d take it if I was you, Burnie,” Art commented. He still wanted a ship like Zeke’s.

“I hope I get paid,” Travis interjected.

Zeke rolled his eyes, “Fine, nine for me, one for you, and you write up the contracts and check his books like a good board member and part owner, happy?”

Travis grinned and gave Burnie a querying look.

Burnie looked at each of the men. His mind was going nineteen to the dozen. He blinked several times and put his hand out to Zeke, “Yes, I’d be mad to say no. This will keep me in business for decades.”

They shook on the deal.

Travis returned to his office to make some calls and write up the contracts.

Zeke took Art and the boys back to Bella. They stayed on board while Zeke got permission to move Bella to the shipyard. The three boys were busy going over Bella with Art, while the ship slowly relocated.

After a bit, Art returned to the bridge to sit with Zeke. “Zeke, I love what you have done with this ship. Um, this may be a delicate question, but are you a mage?”

“Why?”

“The boys showed me your ‘little pantry’. There is no way that room could be on this ship. They also told us you have a secret workshop, but it won’t let them enter it.”