Free Torian Reclamation 3: Test of Fortitude by Andy Kasch Page A

which they could simulate Mpar’s new interstellar trade enterprise. Playing the game was a way to test certain scenarios and stay mentally sharp in formulating merchant strategies. This was what Trodenjo credited as his edge; the reason The Measure would be the first profitable commercial ship in the fleet and, hopefully, the most successful Mparian operation in the long run.
    Jumper was fascinated by the prospect of the game and it was difficult to tear him away from it. Trodenmark had to promise him he could come back to it after finishing the tour.
    “I can’t take you through the military stations for security reasons,” Trodenmark said. “But I’d like to show you some of our defense systems, so you know you’re on a safe ship.”
    They followed him into a smaller room. Trodenmark walked over to a wall and touched a panel there. It went dark. A second later, a 3-D holographic image of The Measure appeared in the center of the room.
    “Wow,” Kayla said.
    The image was ghostly at first, but then became more acute with lots of color and added detail.
    “The Measure may look like a peaceful vessel,” Trodemark’s voice said from the rear, “and we certainly desire it to be so. But should the need arise, it can be transformed into a first-class warship on demand.”
    Suddenly, large gun barrels rose out of nowhere on the holographic image from the top, bottom, and sides pointing in all directions. The bigger ones swiveled as well. In addition, side panels peeled away in places and small blips of light—missiles—sped away from the holographic image.
    “We also carry five squadrons of fighters.”
    More hidden compartments opened. Images of sleek fighter craft emerged from four different locations and quickly gathered into formations about the ship.
    “Do you have any special weapons?” Alan asked.
    “What do you mean?” Trodenmark sounded bewildered, as if he expected them all to be overwhelmed by what they had already seen. Alan noticed Kayla also giving him an incredulous look.
    “The Torian military uses something called REEP,” Alan explained, “which is a directionally-targeted magnetic repulsion blast weapon. It’s manufactured in different calibers. Our space station is defended by an extremely powerful version of that technology.”
    “From what I’ve heard,” Trodenmark replied, “that’s not the only uniquely powerful defense system your station employs.”
    “Anything else is classified and we wouldn’t know about it.” Alan tried not to let his voice waver. But he could see Trodenmark studying him with those big eyes in the dim light. It caused him to fidget. He found himself wishing Brandon hadn’t confided in him and Jumper about the true source of the mysterious light weapon everyone else in the galaxy now thought Tora possessed. Alan knew he and Jumper weren’t as strong as they liked to think. Someone like Trodenmark might be able to read them, and discern military secrets simply by winning a staring contest. Alan and Jumper having this knowledge could only be a potential liability to Torian security. But then, Brandon never imagined they would be on an alien vessel discussing military weapons technology when he disclosed the secret.
    “We have nothing quite like your REEP weapon,” Trodenmark finally said. “But the big guns can fire ordinance in addition to the largest laser beams you’ve ever seen. The ordinance is a compacted ball of photon energy and is fired like a giant mortar, to impressive distances. A direct hit can disable a large vessel, and a charge placed in the center of an enemy fighter squadron can reduce its size significantly.”
    The lights came back on and the holograph model of The Measure flickered and vanished.
    “Come on,” Trodenmark said. “I’ll show you to lodging and food.”
    The remainder of tour included a lesson on how to order in a public dining hall, a stop in a lounge for a stimulating beverage resembling coffee, and the