Read AMP Colossus for Free Online

Masters will never know and there will be no reprisals. We all just continue on with our lives."
    The radio was silent for a moment as Jova thought. "That is a violation of the law, Feldew. We cannot further violate the law!"
    Feldew began to key the mic when Saffi's voice came over the speaker. "Jova, is the law really broken if it is never reported? Feldew is right. Never speak of this again, and we all go on with our lives as they were before. Do you want Moka and your little Powis to grow up without fathers? The Masters would not be pleased that this happened on your watch!"
    Jova again thought before he replied, "Feldew... we will be silent. But you will take that sun light out of there and focus on your job! I cannot have you putting us all at risk because of your sun fantasy!"
    Feldew again keyed the mic. "No, Jova, the light will remain. If you should ever speak of this event again, I will tell the Masters that it was all of your making, that you orchestrated a cover-up of an outage to protect yourself."
    Saffi cried out, "Feldew!"
    The radio was silent.
    I spoke. "What was that about?"
    Feldew sighed and spun his chair around to face me. "We take pride in our honesty, Mr. Grange. It is something that we feel separates us from the other species of the Colossus. In some ways it is also our downfall, but it is something that we highly value. In remaining silent, I compromise the integrity of not only myself, but the two people I have known the longest in this world. I am not comfortable with my behavior, Mr. Grange. Not comfortable at all."
    I replied, "Well, you've had a bit of an extraordinary day, Feldew. I am the one who got you in trouble. Let that lack of integrity fall on me."
    Duane let out a short chuckle.
    I looked his way and spoke. "What?"
    Duane shook his head and replied, "You know how deeply you felt about the Milgari for what they did to our people; would you have sold out that belief to keep yourself out of trouble?"
    I replied, "No, I wouldn't and I didn't. And Feldew didn't just sell out his people either. Feldew, if your people had to choose, which of these traits would your people select as most important: honesty or freedom?"
    Feldew replied, "That is not a fair question, Mr. Grange. Our honesty is but a small part of our freedom; it is a part that we cherish because it is one of the few freedoms that remain available to us."
    I again sat down on the box as I crossed my arms and spoke. "So, it sounds to me like your freedom is more important. No one can take away your honesty, but they can take away your freedom. Just think of it this way, Feldew. That was your first step towards making your people free. By withholding that bit of information from the Colossuns, you have started a revolution. I'm not saying your freedom is at hand, but you have begun the journey. You help us to return to our station, and we will help you regain your freedom. We need your resources, Feldew; you need our protection. Other than Gunta ore, what other resources can be found on Ponik?"
    Feldew replied, "Our planet is rich in minerals. The centuries of pillage by the Colossus Empire have only depleted a small portion of what we have. Our people work, but not efficiently. And their mining technology is large in scale, but lacking in quality design. We could do much better, but choose to remain as we are."
    I replied, "So, you have remained silent about your abilities. It sounds to me like you are all part of the resistance."
    Feldew raised his hand and scratched the fur on the side of his cheek. "Hmmm. That is an interesting thought, Mr. Grange. I am not affiliated with the resistance, but I hear whispers on occasion. I will make it my purpose in life to find them when my shift ends."

Chapter 3

    With Feldew clearly on our side, our knowledge of the Grell grew quickly as he told of their history. According to his account, their ancestors had evolved from large warring tribes, who roamed the windswept surface of Ponik, into