Free Henry Gallant Saga 2: Lieutenant Henry Gallant by H. Peter Alesso Page B

appeared to be the leader and didn’t pay attention to the others. He had expected someone astute in politics, powerful looking, perhaps flamboyant, but certainly older. This man met none of those expectations. It crossed Gallant’s mind that behind this man’s calm exterior, yet hesitant demeanor, was a seething anger and natural distrust.
    “Wolfe? Are you—?”
    “No. My father is Cyrus Wolfe, Sr., President of the Elysium Council. You’ll meet him in due course.”
    “We’re on a peaceful exploration mission from Sol, eleven and a half light years from here,” started Gallant.
    Cyrus Wolfe Junior’s eyes glossed over, “He’ll be glad to hear your entire history when we get to the meeting.”
    Gallant decided to think of this person as “ Junior ,” but he didn’t intend to call him Junior to his face.
    Junior seemed intent on ending all conversation, but Gallant gave it another try.
    “You seem rather young to be in such an important position.”
    “No younger than you, Lieutenant.”
    Junior didn’t introduce the other members of his delegation, but spoke deferentially of President Wolfe and their need to hurry along to the waiting council members in the assembly building.
    Gallant smiled, evaluating the man as a cool customer. “Are you authorized to discuss policy with me?”
    A quick mutual glance passed between the Elysium men. Junior said, “No, this group is to evaluate security prior to bringing you to our leadership council, not to negotiate.”
    “I see,” he said gravely, taking mental note to not reveal too much too soon. “Okay. What more can I do to reassure you my intentions are for our mutual benefit?”
    Glimpsing Gallant’s side arm, Junior said, “I’ll need your gun and communication devices.”
    Seeing Gallant’s reluctance he added, “They will be returned to you when you leave, but we are responsible for security on Elysium. The SSP allows no weapons here.”
    Having already noted their apparent lack of weaponry, Gallant decided to cooperate and handed his laser side arm to the police chief, but hesitated to remove his comm pin. “This is my communication pin and I’m going to need it to communicate with my ship.”
    “You can arrange communication to your ship from our headquarters.”
    Gallant handed over his comm pin and said, “I am most anxious to meet with your president. I’ve listened to his speech broadcasts and I hope we can be of mutual benefit to each other. It would help if I learned more about your people.”
    “Elysium is an independent planet. Run by Cyrus Wolfe and the planetary council.”
    “Forgive me for asking, but you are human, aren’t you?”
    “Yes, we’re human.” Junior smirked. “In fact we’re from Sol, but you’ll have to wait for more explanation. For now please come with us. We have a meeting arranged with the planetary council in the town hall.”
    Gallant met his eyes and held them, refusing to look away. Finally, Junior blinked and turned away.
    Junior and his three guards led Gallant to a building, one of the bigger structures in the community on the edge of the clearing. The strictness and uniformity with which these men treated him was disturbing. He was left in a large room where he stood waiting for events to unfold.
    After several minutes, eight men entered the room and took seats arranged around the table. They didn’t acknowledge Gallant, but looked at him as if to evaluate his potential. Clearly, Junior had informed them of his experiences with the new arrival.
    “Please sit down, Lieutenant Henry Gallant. Make yourself comfortable. We are most anxious to welcome you to Elysium. I am Cyrus Wolfe,” Wolfe Sr. said, sitting with assured authority, surrounded by his symbols of office and power. Behind him were a strange flag, several marble statues, and plaques. The room was adorned to emphasize influence.
    Wolfe was a large, portly man with long flowing black hair with gray streaks and a bushy gray beard.