Euthara Read Online Free PDF Page A

they got their hands on one?”
    “Key codes built into the ship and engine.” Jao’uos said. “Specially encrypted key codes built into the ship and drive pair. Key codes so advanced it would be impossible to copy or reproduce by anyone but my corporation. They’re also installed in several places in the computer code that the drive uses. If you tried to copy or transplant a drive and its software the drive simply wouldn’t work. The codes contain various data about the ship they’re installed on and checks are run to make sure everything matches.”
    “Interesting,” Jon said. “What if I told you, I know for a fact; the drive has been copied and works as intended?”
    Jao’uos stared at Jon for a long second then said, “So, the
Atlantis
survived after all these years.”
    “Possibly,” Jon said, he really didn’t have anything to hide from the man; he was more interested to see what he knew.
    “Oh, come on now, no need to be coy,” Jao’uos said. “If your people have copied the drive and it’s working it would have to be the
Atlantis’
drive. It’s the only one that didn’t have these key codes installed as it was experimental. It was a project my Grandfather worked on, and I only have very basic references about her construction. I even have a picture of her when she was completed and leaving our space dock. She’s something of a family heirloom you might say. Plus, I have heard stories of a ship fitting her description causing mischief for the Invaru and their allies. They say the ship is captained by a man fitting your description.”
    “And?” Jon said.
    “And what?” Jao’uos said. “That’s pretty much what I’ve heard. Information here on Euthara is a bit scarce, and we mainly get bits and pieces that the government doesn’t mind getting out. I also have agents in places that keep me informed about what’s going on, but that’s sporadic at best and takes some time to separate fact from fiction.”
    “And if I told you I was Captain of the
Atlantis
and we stumbled upon her on Earth?” Jon asked.
    “It would fit with some of what I heard,” Jao’uos said. “It would also make you the prophesied one.”
    Jon frowned; it was happening again. Was there no one that didn’t know?
    “I can see by your reaction that I’m correct,” Jao’uos said. “I believe you’re bound for great things in this galaxy. Others believe differently, that you’re going to destroy what we all know and love. But, if you look closely at the scriptures, that’s not what they say at all. They say you will bring about a long and lasting peace between the people of this galaxy and its inhabitants. There will also be a time of upheaval and destruction throughout the galaxy and its inhabitants from outside forces. You’re the pin that will hold us all together and drive these invaders away.”
    “So I’ve heard,” Jon said dryly. He glanced over at Sa’oliq and Deatra, both of whom were grinning at him. He shook his head as he focused his attention back on Jao’uos. “Would it surprise you to know I don’t believe in prophecy? I believe we all control our own destiny. We alone choose our own path and have to deal with the consequences of those choices.”
    “No, it wouldn’t,” Jao’uos said. He smiled at Jon as he continued. “Anyway you’re here now and doing what you must, and having chosen your own path what is it I can do for you?”
    “Well, the Alliance Defense Forces would like to buy into your company, the Eutharis Mining Corporation,” Jon said.
    Jao’uos raised an eyebrow and looked at Jon as if he had just sprouted another head and breathed fire. “You want to buy into a dead company? Why would you want to do that?”
    “Let me explain,” Jon said.
    “Oh, by all means, you have my undivided attention” Jao’uos said. He sat back in his chair as he stared at Jon.
    “We’ll help supply people and parts to get the installations back into working order. We’ll barter