Galactic Bounty Read Online Free PDF

about his religious beliefs. Apparently he told anyone who would listen that the pirates were the 'spawn of the devil.' A view which became increasingly unpopular as it became obvious that killing pirates was counterproductive. So Bridger was appointed to the Academy, there to serve out his days in academic obscurity. And that's what he did . . . until six weeks ago . . . when he disappeared."
    McCade stubbed out his cigar in a small porcelain candy dish which sat just inches from an ashtray. Swanson-Pierce winced. "Since when does the navy consider killing pirates to be counterproductive?" McCade asked.
    Swanson-Pierce allowed himself an amused smile. "Sam, you never cease to amaze me. In some ways you're incredibly naive. Haven't you ever wondered why we didn't just wipe them out? We could, you know, or at least we think we could. Anyway, in the period right after the Battle of Hell, we tried to patrol the frontier worlds. Our ships were constantly ambushed by both pirate and Il Ronn raiders. So we sent more ships. But it didn't do any good. In that kind of conflict a fleet simply makes a bigger target." Swanson-Pierce paused dramatically. "Then Admiral Keaton had a brilliant idea."
    "I'm surprised his staff was able to recognize one," McCade said innocently.
    Frowning, Swanson-Pierce continued. "Keaton's idea was to pull all our ships out, except for occasional scouts, and let the pirates and Il Ronn go to it. Hopefully they'd keep each other in check. That's exactly what we did, and it works very well. So now we try not to kill too many pirates. We just keep them confined to the frontier. Someday we might even have to step in and save them . . . if it ever looks like the Il Ronn are getting the upper hand. In the meantime the pirates are holding their own quite nicely. So as you can see, it wouldn't do to have someone like Bridger running around killing pirates."
    McCade shook his head in disgust. "And the settlers, and merchant ships the pirates take just inside the frontier . . . what about them?"
    There was silence for a moment as the naval officer stared off into space. When he answered his face was devoid of all expression. "Everything has a price, Sam . . .. Including peace. Imagine the cost of a navy large enough to do the job alone. Taxes would be astronomical . . .." He left the thought unfinished as his eyes slid away to the star map decorating one wall.
    "Bridger's out there somewhere right now. Among other things he's a highly trained naval officer, a combat veteran, an expert in strategy and tactics, and quite knowledgeable about our current defensive capabilities." Swanson-Pierce met McCade's eyes. "Think about it, Sam . . .. What if he offered that experience and knowledge to the Il Ronn, in return for their assistance in destroying the pirates, something they've got to do anyway in order to defeat us?"
    "I don't believe it," McCade replied. "Bridger may be a few planets short of a full system, and god knows he's a total bastard, but he's no traitor."
    "Basically I agree," Swanson-Pierce said. "But try to see it from his point of view. The Empire has two enemies. The pirates and the Il Ronn. Of the two he believes the pirates are the worse. So if he can use the Il Ronn to destroy them . . . he's halved the enemy . . . performed a great service for the Empire . . . and satisfied his own desire for revenge."
    "What you're saying," McCade said thoughtfully, "is that the Il Ronn might allow themselves to be used . . . and in doing so . . . learn enough from Bridger to give them an edge in a war with the Empire."
    "Exactly," Swanson-Pierce replied. He paused for a moment as though considering his next words carefully. "And there's one other small item to consider."
    "Uh-oh," McCade said. "I've got a feeling I'm not going to like this."
    Swanson-Pierce shook his head. "It's nothing really, but I suppose it could have a bearing, so I'll mention it just in case. Since Bridger's