There was something going on, and Harry was determined to find out what.
“Yes, do so immediately. I want the Head of Security. It appears something in the hypercoms unit was interfering with our targeting. That could seriously compromise not just us but every other ship in the Fleet. No one is to touch anything in that console until the Security team have examined it and everything connected to it.” He held the Warrant Officer’s gaze. “Do I make myself clear?”
“Absolutely, sir.” The man nodded. “I’ll secure the console. Security’ll want to take it apart.”
“Security online, sir. Commander Strijdom.”
“Thank you. Mr. Banks, return to the dock. Immediately please. Helm, reverse course. Mr. Banks has the con.” He keyed the link. “Commander Strijdom, Commander Heron. I am returning immediately to the dock. Please have an investigation team meet us. I have reason to believe there has been an attempt to sabotage this ship.”
“Sabotage? That’s a serious assertion, Commander. I’ll have a team ready when you dock. Can you transmit the records from your AI to my office? It will be helpful to have them examined so I know who to send.”
“It shall be done.” Harry paused. “Please advise the ship of your secure address, and I will instruct it to provide the record.”
“Your ship records will have it. Please use the address in the databank.”
Harry hesitated then decided to go for the jugular. “I have very good reason to believe that address may be compromised. There is an alternative address—I will transfer the data to that and no other.” He broke the link and shut his eyes briefly. He had a feeling he’d just poked a stick into a nest of angry vipers, but he’d had enough. He would not tolerate anyone sabotaging his ship, listening in on his signals or undermining his command. He focussed on his cyberlink. “Lagan, I trust you heard that last conversation.”
“Yes, Harry. Do you want me to transfer everything including your instruction to me to overload it?”
“They’ll know soon enough. Yes, include that, but make sure you include the record of its interference and the purpose as you told me. Then send it to the Security Office secret receiver and repeat it to Lieutenant Greene.” He glanced at the notepad he’d extracted from his pocket. “Read the address from my pad, Lagan.”
“Done, Harry.” There was a momentary hesitation. “There is a coded signal being beamed to our hypercoms array. It appears to be for the repeater unit installed there.”
“Jam it, immediately, and isolate that unit. Cut off all power to it.” His curiosity aroused, he asked, “Our hypercoms are down according to our ComsTech. How are we receiving a message?”
“The receiving unit is independent of my hypercom system, except in its use of my receivers. I detect the signal and its routing, but I cannot record it.”
“Isolate it immediately. Shut it down if you can!” How many more of these unauthorised devices were there? What was their purpose? How much did the enigmatic Lieutenant Greene and his people know about them? Harry was going to demand answers, no matter whose toes he had to step on in the process.
Chapter 8
Gloves Off
_________________________
Commander Strijdom glared at Harry. “You do realise you’ve just blown our operation, Commander.”
“I refute that. And I shall do so in my reports of this disgraceful incident. That unit was interfering with our targeting system—and from the evidence I transmitted to you, its function was to allow some external operator to negate our ability to target their ships. How dare you—or anyone else for that matter—endanger my ship and my people in that way.”
Harry could see the other man’s anger, but he pushed on.
“I might have tolerated having my signals repeated and intercepted by an outside party—that I can deal with one way or another. But deliberately allow my ship to be rendered helpless by an enemy? Never, sir. Never.”
“You’ve no way of knowing they could do that,” Commander Strijdom blustered.
“You don’t seem very sure of that yourself, sir. As to my knowledge, I shall say only that the AI informed me, and the record now shows that the burned-out unit was receiving instructions from a third source, one not on the Lagan.” He held the Commander’s gaze and saw the doubt lurking behind the man’s expression. “I am quite satisfied that its sole purpose was to interfere with our targeting system. As soon as it was neutralised, the targeting functioned perfectly.”
There was a chime from the door unit. The Commander shrugged and leaned back. “I’m not expecting anyone.”
“Come in!” Harry barked.
The door slid back and Lieutenant Banks stepped into the room followed by the man Harry recognised as the Chief Electronics Supervisor. “Sorry to interrupt, sir. We’ve managed to extract that repeater unit you identified.” Mr. Banks’s face was ashen as he waved the supervisor forward. “I’ve had to call for an explosives team, sir. That thing had a self-destruct device built into it, and could have blown us all to hell.”
“It’s not an authorised installation,” the man exclaimed, clearly frightened. “It isn’t in our schematics at all, and none of my people installed it—their installation tags would have a record of it if they did.”
Harry kept his eyes fixed on the security officer, his left eyebrow rising as he said, “Well, Commander Strijdom?”
“This is an unexpected development, Commander Heron.” He indicated the others should leave. The Executive Officer glanced at Harry.
Harry considered ordering MacKenzie-Banks to stay then decided against it. He wanted answers, and what he was about to hear would clearly not be for general knowledge. “Carry on, Mr. Banks. Thank you, Mr. Ellis. I’ll want to talk to you later about the installation process.”
When they were alone again, Commander Strijdom said, “Very well, Commander, cards on the table. We were very close to identifying the individuals behind this. We know who they work for, and we know some of the small fry, but we wanted the top players—the people directing things behind the scenes.” He spread his hands in an eloquent shrug. “You’ve now blown our operation.” He held up a hand. “I will concede that we were not aware that they had installed some protection in their latest devices. That changes the entire game.” He stood. “My boss will appreciate your cooperation a little later, Commander. I’m sure you have a great deal to attend to here, but if you could meet me at, say, sixteen-thirty, I’ll send someone to escort you to us a half hour before then.” He smiled briefly. “It doesn’t show in the dock plans and records.”
At precisely 15:59, Harry’s link chirped.
“Heron.”
“Commander, Major Harris is at the entry port asking for you.” A voice said something in the background. “He’s from Security, sir.”
“Very good. I’ll join him immediately.” Harry closed his tablet and secured his interface, checked his pad and pen, then stood, tugged his jacket into place and made for the door. A Major sent to escort him to a meeting with a Commander? This obviously ran far deeper than a simple attempt to sabotage a few patrol ships, but how deep did it run?
These patrol ships were much larger than his first command. The Lagan and its sister ships were more powerfully armed, and though they carried a bigger crew than his previous command, it was not as large as one would expect on a ship of this size. It was big enough to merit having several androids assigned to it, one of them designated as steward to him and the wardroom. He’d mentioned this to Ferghal in a letter. The reply had intrigued and excited him.
Ferghal had written, “The River Class are but the first of a new generation, my friend. You should see the new destroyers we’re building, and as for the frigates that will soon be complete—I say only that soon humankind may have a rival among its own creations.”
“Commander? Major Harris.” The visitor proffered his ID. “Our transport’s waiting, if you’ll accompany me, please.”
“
Thank you.” Harry turned to the gangway watchman standing to attention at his console. “Log me ashore with Major Harris. Advise Mr. Banks. He is aware of the appointment.”
“The Executive Officer logged ashore half an hour ago, sir. Shall I advise Lieutenant Matlock?”
Harry’s brow snapped into a frown. “No, advise the Weapons Officer. She’s the senior.” What was Banks playing at? He’d advised him the moment the appointment was made and confirmed, and he’d taken the trouble to remind the man less than an hour ago. He’d have to deal with this on his return.
“Very well, Major, shall we carry on?”
“Your Exec forgot something?” The Major’s tone and expression gave nothing away.
“Evidently. I shall discuss it with him on my return,” Harry said, his manner perfunctory. Ever since he and Banks had dinner together, he’d hoped their relationship was improving. Lately, however, Banks had become distant again.
As Harry followed the Major through the entry port, he decided he’d have to confront Banks again.
“We have to cross the station, so we need a transport car.” The Major, a Marine officer, glanced at him. “Sorry about all this cloak and dagger stuff, but unfortunately, it’s necessary. We’re going via my office to allay suspicion and throw off anyone attempting to follow.” He shrugged. “The Boss has his ways.”
Harry’s unease was dispelled by the sight of an official transport unit and a smartly turned out Marine waiting for them. “I see. I hope I shall soon be enlightened as to what is going on.”
The Major smiled and returned the salute of the waiting man, and noted Harry’s almost absentminded salute as he stood aside to let him enter the vehicle. “Usual routine, Kreisler.” He took a seat next to Harry. “These transports aren’t quite the standard pattern. We’ll take a longer route to our destination, but that will give me the opportunity to give you some background.”
Harry settled into the seat. “Thank you. I would appreciate having at least some idea of what this is all about.” His tone conveyed his annoyance at the failure to provide him with information regarding the nature of the threat to his ship.
“I’ll do my best,” said the Major. “The details will come from the boss, but to put it simply, we have a problem. You’re aware of the piracy issues, I’m sure. This is part of it. They’ve some impressive backing at home from people running an even bigger agenda. They can track our ships and get advance information on where they are and what their orders are. We were getting close to tracking the monitoring station when you blew out the equipment.”
“That explains the signal repeater, but not the device that interfered with my weapons targeting system.” Harry’s frown deepened. “Which, from what I learned from my ship, was receiving orders from some external source whenever we attempted a target lock.”
The Major sighed. “Yes. They’re getting bolder—or they were. We know the race calling themselves Charonians are involved, though officially we don’t have contact, but the pirates have some sort of link with them. After this incident, they’ll go quiet again, at least until they can figure out what happened.”
“They may have a problem there.” Harry watched as they passed a long, illuminated dock that housed a large cruiser. “Are they targeting the larger ships as well? It will be difficult to find these devices in a ship such as that one.”
“They tried to, but we caught it in time.” The Major waited as the vehicle entered a narrow passage and stopped next to a keypad. He leaned across, gazed into a pupil scanner and pressed his hand against a palm scanner to gain access. “Now we change vehicles. Follow me, Commander. Kreisler, you know the drill.”
“Yes, sir. Good luck.”
Alert to any skulduggery, Harry followed the Major through an opening and into a second ordinary vehicle indistinguishable from any of the construction vehicles used on the dock. As soon as they were aboard, the door slid shut and the transport headed back the way they’d come.
“A little subterfuge,” said the Major. “Two of my officers have taken our places in the transport. It will keep the trackers guessing.” He paused as the vehicle swung into the loading dock for a cargo liner. “Here we are. A bit unusual, but it works for us. I believe you know the ship—the Twee Jong Gezellen. She’s had some internal changes since you brought her home a few years ago. I doubt her original owners would recognise her now.” He grinned as Harry looked round in suspicion. “We acquired her and a couple of others for surveillance and clandestine ops against the Consortium, but she’s proving very useful in our efforts to keep tabs on several other organisations.”
Harry tested his cyberlink and was reassured when the ship recognised him and confirmed the validity of the Major’s information.
“Very well, Major. Lead on. I believe Lieutenant Greene is waiting for us.” Harry’s emphasis on the word Lieutenant revealed his intended meaning.
The Major laughed. “He is, and you’re right, the Lieutenant bit is a cover. We also don’t adhere to the gangway protocol when we’re in places like this—we can never be a hundred percent sure we won’t be seen.” His eyes danced with laughter. “The ship’s cover for being here is as a transport, so the story is you’re visiting a friend if anyone asks.”
Harry returned the smile. “But I am visiting a friend, one I had the pleasure of getting to know very well in the three months it took us to bring him home.” He laughed at the surprise in the other man’s face. “Twee Jong Gezellen tells me he is very happy in this service, and proud of the upgrading he has received.”
The Major recovered his composure. “Ah. Of course, that all-knowing link of yours.” He smiled. “Useful, I should think.”
You’d be surprised, thought Harry as he followed the man through the entry port.
‘Lieutenant’ Greene stood as Harry walked into what had once been the quarters he’d used on his first journey on this ship. “Thanks for coming, Commander. Take a seat.” He waved a hand toward a few chairs. “I understand you know this ship quite well. We’ve made a few changes as you can see.” He seated himself. “To business then. First, as you’ve probably gathered, I’m not a lieutenant, but it’s a useful rank to revert to when necessary, nor is my name Greene, but that will have to do for the moment.” He indicated the Major. “Major Harris is, on the other hand, precisely who and what he appears to be.”
Harry nodded. “Very well, Admiral … Greene. May I enquire why you asked me to meet you here?” The ship’s records showed the Admiral used at least five different identities and ranks on a regular basis.
“Certainly.” There was a flicker of surprise at Harry’s correct use of his rank. “As you’ve gathered, we have a problem, and the latest intelligence suggests the stakes are rising. There’s an added twist to it as well.” He glanced at his tablet and then at the Major. “Have you heard of this new alien species, the Charonians, that the LPSL are excited about?”
Harry frowned. “Not a great deal. I have, of course, seen the LPSL’s representatives demand that they be allowed to protect the Charonians—when and if they can be found.”
“Oh, they can be found all right.” He grimaced. “For security reasons, our official statement is that we don’t know who or what they are. We’ve sent the LPSL off on a wild goose chase.” He snorted. “Fools, they’ll compromise all of us one of these days—especially the very races they want to protect. The Charonians are definitely not to be invited home.”
“I see,” said Harry, frowning. “What I don’t understand is how this involves me.”
“Until an hour ago, we didn’t think it did.” The Admiral held Harry’s gaze. “We’ve discovered something that changes everything. However, first things first. I believe you are able to use that link of yours to contact the alien intelligence that runs the planet Lycania. I believe it’s called the Provider.”
“With the right equipment, yes, sir, I can do that.” Harry paused. “You do realise that once I give the Provider a path
, it will always be in your systems.” He smiled. “In fact, it might already be monitoring you.”
“We are aware of that.” The Admiral shrugged. “We’ll have to hope that it remains friendly, but at present there is a great deal more at stake. In the last hour we’ve learned who—or rather what—is behind the planting of these monitor repeaters.” He paused, his fingers beating a tattoo on the desktop. “This ship is now fitted with the most advanced signalling and monitoring equipment humans have ever created. We are now monitoring every repeated signal, and we know where the receivers are. What we need to know is what the Charonians are planning, and our systems can’t give us that. This Provider is a shot in the dark. Everything we’ve been able to unearth suggests humans are involved, but the technology they’re using isn’t.” His fingers stilled and his hand lay palm down on the desk. “Can you do it?”
Harry’s thoughts were racing. He nodded. “Yes, sir. At least I can invite the Provider to enter your systems. Beyond that, you will have to give it explicit information as to what you require.”
“Okay, what do you need?”
“Just a moment to use my cyberlink, sir. I will ask the Twee Jong Gezellen to seek contact with the Provider.” He paused. “Before I do—I must ask: Are any of my people agents for this enemy? If so, I want them removed forthwith and charged with treason.”
The Admiral held his gaze. “I can tell you that none of your people are working directly for the enemy. Two of your Warrant Officers are agents for us.” He met Harry’s eyes. “One of your people is under surveillance—not for what they are doing, but who they associate with. I’d be grateful if you keep that to yourself—and if you think you know who, continue to treat them as you have done up to now.”
Harry Heron: Hope Transcends Page 7