Righteous Fire: Informant

Informant: Yes, I’m glad you’ve come. Normally, I’d consider a privateer like you far too risky to confide in. But your recent destruction of Kahl and Menesch gives me faith in your trustworthiness. My clothing belies my true calling. I am a member of the Church of Man.

Informant: I am one of Mordecai Jones’ elite counsellors. I, like all my brethren, have sworn to accomplish the destruction of all technology. And I believe that our ends justify the means we use. What do you think?

Informant: So I expected. But our interests may coincide for a little while. Let me tell you the story of Mordecai Jones. He was an unknown when he joined the Church of Man five years ago. He started as a ship technician, but by virtue of his astounding eloquence and technical skill, he quickly attained a position of leadership. Within a year, he commanded a church battalion. Within three years, he was an Elite Guard Commander. He was soon in a position equal to my own. When his holiness Father Benengeli, the previous church leader, died a year ago, it was revealed that he had appointed Mordecai Jones as his successor. Jones’ leadership brought the church a stunning string of victories. He provided us with new Kilrathi ships and stronger arms. And, of course, our new secret weapon. I believe it is known to you.

Informant: Yes. The Steltek super-weapon. Church engineers have already learned how to duplicate it. The copies have been used experimentally. Mass production is imminent. I don’t believe your Confederation can withstand such a powerful force.

Informant: Oh, it is. The average churchman’s dreams seem about to be realised. But my high rank gives me access to some closely guarded secrets. Six months ago, I accidentally came upon some transmissions from Jones to Governor Menesch. They mentioned “The Ulterior Motive”. A plan I had never heard of. My suspicions were aroused. Further research revealed the nature of this plan. In summary, it led to Jones’ domination of Gemini, and gave Menesch a great deal of power and wealth. When the entire region was secure, Jones would dismantle the Church of Man. He planned to use churchmen as a police force. No ultimate destruction of technology. Only megalomania. It’s an old story. Somehow, though, I’m surprised that it’s worked again.

Informant: It is. I have taken a leave of absence from my church duties, hoping to find some means of stopping Jones. Time is short. But I think you can save us. I have a plan.

Informant: I understand your concern. So I’ll offer you a deal. If you succeed in destroying Jones, I give you my word that we will destroy all copies of the Steltek gun. Additionally, your name will be removed from the church hit list.

Informant: That is true. Of course, during the mission you will discover our headquarters. If you wish, you can inform the Confederation and they can eventually destroy it. We will be forced to relocate. Very costly and disruptive. But it’s worth it to me.

Informant: A large fleet would be detected too far in advance. The jump tunnel could be blocked. There is no other pilot in Gemini with your reputation for success. I’m afraid you are my only hope.

Informant: You are to fly to the Valhalla system. There is a secret jump tunnel there.

Informant: We have contacts at the Exploratory Services. They have removed it from official records. Do not worry. I will enter the co-ordinates into your ship’s navigation system. After locating the tunnel, you must jump to a new system called Eden. There you will find Jones and members of his elite guard. You must destroy them all. Return here afterwards.

Informant: Simple, but not easy. I wish you the best of luck, infidel.

Informant: Then my cause is lost. I beg you to reconsider.

Informant: The situation is desperate. I hope you’ll accept the mission. You are to fly to the Valhalla system. There is a secret jump tunnel there.

Informant: We have contacts at the Exploratory Services. They have removed it from official records. After locating the tunnel, you must jump to a new system called Eden. There you will find Jones and members of his elite guard. You must destroy them all. Return here afterwards.

Informant: You refuse again. I am discouraged.

Informant: I have shown great confidence, but you have not completed my mission. What is wrong?

Informant: You are to fly to the Valhalla system. There is a secret jump tunnel there. After locating the tunnel, you must jump to a new system called Eden. There you will find Jones and members of his elite guard. You must destroy them all. Return here afterwards.

Informant: My prayers are with you.

Informant: Then my cause is lost. I beg you to reconsider.