Free The Great Symmetry by James R Wells Page A

they came after us, and they won. What kind of appeals do we have?”
    “Nada,” her lawyer said. “Appeals past this level were all streamlined away in the reforms of the eighties. This is the end of the legal road.”
    “So what kind of settlement can we get now?”
    “I think we’re about to find out. Here they come.”
    Kate wanted nothing more than to go crawl into a hole. “Do we have to talk with them right now?”
    “As your lawyer, I would advise it,” Colditz told her.
    The lawyers arrived in formation and perched on the retention bars. Their lead counsel spoke.
    “Ms. DelMonaco, shall we talk settlement at last? We have always wanted to settle, as you know, and we still do.”
    Kate regarded the opposing lawyer coldly. “You got your ruling, what more do you want?”
    “Let me ask you something. Do you want DelMonaco Trading to continue and thrive? Even grow beyond your greatest ambition?”
    “It’s my life,” she said.
    “Then let’s talk about that. We’ll invest a hundred million credits for a ninety five percent share of the family. A very generous valuation, in light of today’s ruling.”
    “A controlling share. Almost all of the family.”
    “Yes. But above all, we want you. Stay on as President, Ms. DelMonaco. Use the investment to expand your routes. You will just need to serve for five years as CEO in order to earn out a ten million credit bonus in addition to your salary. And as a valued member of the CoreValue F amily, you will receive a waiver on all glome royalties. Isn’t that what you were after?”
    “But independence, that’s the whole point. I don’t know if I can be part of − that. You and your whole bunch of crows.” Kate cut herself off before she launched into a diatribe that she would regret.
    “Honesty, that’s a good start to any business relationship.”
    “I don’t know if we’re going to have any business relationship, Mr. Crassus. I really don’t.”
    “Just think about it, Ms. DelMonaco. You have one day to do the math. Without a settlement, you’re out of business. Settle with us, and you’ll be in great shape. You’ll have a new investment, and you’ll have the entire CoreValue Family behind you.”
    “I’ll think about it.”
    “Please do. But think quickly. Feel free to contact me whenever you wish, day or night. No time is too late or too early. You two have a great evening.” Crassus gracefully launched from his retaining bar in the direction of the exit, and then was followed by his attendants.
    A minute later, Kate and her lawyer were the only two people in the room. Kate already knew what his advice would be, and he was wisely choosing not to provide it at that moment.
    One way or another, it was over.
    Kate brought herself back to the present, in her office. The ruling was history, and it wasn’t going to do her any good rerunning the events of the prior day.
    Her family was being dismantled around her. There was nothing she could do about it, unless she gave in and accepted the offer to become a captive CEO. And serve at their whim, for five years.
    And now, there was the mystery. Mira, sniffing around for a ship. Holding out a secret. Something to do with Evan’s death – her eyes had given that away. Kate had gone out on a big limb providing Mira with a ship, even the least of what remained to her .
    Everything was happening at once. Even amid the collapse of her family, Kate felt the imperative to find out more about what Mira was up to.
    Perhaps there was a way. One of DelMonaco Trading’s ships had just arrived insystem, and was docked at Top Station. Kate knew the captain of that ship well. Once Mira got to Top Station, it might just happen that she would run into an old friend.
    Kate started composing a message to the captain of the Descartes, far above the surface of Kelter.
    Top Station
    The battered little ship was approaching Top Station. Evan was now seated up front, next to Mira as she piloted.
    “Okay, just stay