Risen From Ashes

by Sam Schall

  “If, at the end of the seventy-two hours, you have failed to turn over the prisoners—and do not doubt we know exactly who has been arrested and why—Admiral Tremayne will withdraw not only our ships but all allied ships from the system.”

  “We don’t take kindly to being threatened, Mr. Secretary.” Vreman climbed to his feet, his expression stormy. “You and your government must be reasonable. We need time to review this order and determine if we will comply or appeal. It will take time to gather the evidence and arrange for it to be viewed by your people.”

  “You have our demands, Mr. Chairman.” He motioned to Izaguirre and they moved toward the door. He paused halfway there and turned back. “Do not make the mistake of believing we don’t understand exactly how Alexander Watchman was able to do what he did. Your government allowed him to operate without checks and balances because he did your dirty work—and because he has the dirt on too many people in power for his secrets to come to light. You were supposed to be our allies and yet you allowed him to work against not only our best interests but your own as well. Do not make an even graver mistake of believing we will not do as we have said.”

  With that, he once again turned. He left the room, Izaguirre and Adamson following. As they stepped into the outer room, the rest of the Marine escort fell into place around them. No one spoke until they were safely on their transport and headed back to the embassy.

  “Captain, please inform your colonel that it might be wise to increase security around allied embassies. I’ll be sending an update to the ambassadors once we’re back at the embassy.”

  “Already done, Mr. Ambassador.”

  He nodded, impressed. “Morgan, let Captain Middleton know there is no change in his orders. Let’s get all but essential personnel off-planet. The Midlothians need to see we’re serious about this and aren’t going to back down.”

  He doubted Vreman would try anything, but he wasn’t going to take any risks. He’d drawn a line in the sand, so to speak. The next move was up to the Midlothians and he prayed they did nothing foolish.

  11

  Atlantis Rising, flagship

  First Fleet, Fuerconese Navy

  Midlothian space

  “Well, what do you think?”

  Miranda Tremayne glanced at the three gathered in her office. Captain Raoul Kohler had just come off duty and looked more than ready to find his bed. Secretary Nelms looked equally as tired, not that it surprised her. In the two days since their arrival in-system, he had been in lengthy negotiations with the Midlothians. But it was Ashlyn Shaw who drew her attention. The younger woman looked tired but there was something else about her, something Tremayne recognized. Ash was worried. Trusting her Marine commander’s instincts, the admiral made a quick mental note to find out why.

  “They’re still trying to play us,” Nelms said. He nodded in appreciation as Tremayne handed him a mug of coffee. “But Waas is finally beginning to understand President Harper and the rest of the allies are determined to see this through.”

  “And Vreman?” she asked as she offered Ash a mug.

  “He’s still holding out. My take on it is he will give in but only at the last minute. He’s walking a very fine line right now. He needs to find a way to regain the trust of the rest of the government, not to mention the voters, but he also has to make sure we don’t pull our military support. Add in a healthy dose of fear about what Watchman’s files will reveal if we find them before his side does and he is a man being pulled in a number of different directions.”

  “Will he acquiesce before the deadline?” Captain Kohler asked.

  Nelms shrugged. “That I don’t know. That’s why I’ve instructed Ambassador Izaguirre to continue the withdrawal of our people. President Harper was very clear before we left the home system. If the Midlothians don’t do as we’ve asked, we will leave them to their own devices. It is time for those who have taken advantage of our protection to understand we won’t stand by and let them use us and betray us all at the same time.”

  “If I may?” Ash placed her mug on the table to her right and leaned forward, elbows on her knees. When Tremayne nodded, she continued. “We started seeing a change in attitude from the Midlothians, especially from the general populace, late yesterday when they noticed that not only were our people withdrawing from the surface but so are our allies. Captain Kohler will know the numbers better than I do but our shuttles have been running non-stop as they evacuate non-essential personnel and dependents. I want to commend Captain Middleton and Ambassador Izaguirre for anticipating Secretary Nelms’ orders and starting the evacuation before we arrived.”

  Nelms nodded in agreement. “Thank you, Colonel. I’ll make sure to pass on your comments.”

  “What do you suggest our next step be?” Tremayne asked.

  Kohler drained his mug and set it on the floor next to his left boot. “We continue as we have been. If the shit hits the fan, I want everyone onboard. The last thing we need is to have a bunch of shuttles out of service because they are either still ferrying people up from the surface or because they haven’t been battle prepped.”

  Tremayne glanced at Ash and noted how she winced slightly when Kohler mentioned the shuttles being caught ferrying people up from the surface. Not that she blamed the young woman. The wound left by the deaths of Talbot and the others on the shuttle with him would take time to heal.

  “Mr. Secretary?”

  “I agree. We must hold firm and not deviate from our orders. If the Midlothians fail to turn over the prisoners within the time limit, we withdraw from the system. However, I would recommend we hold the fleet close enough to respond should the Callusians decide this is a good time to strike.”

  Tremayne leaned back and considered his suggestion. Her orders left her some leeway, especially if she felt the system was in danger. Angry as everyone was with Watchman’s betrayal and the way the government looked the other way, no one in the government or military wanted to sacrifice a system of innocents just to punish a few politicians.

  “What have we learned from the data they’ve turned over so far?” she asked.

  “Let’s just say they are being very careful about not only what they turn over to us but in what order they do so,” Nelms said.

  Tremayne frowned and listened as he continued. She knew the Midlothian government had done its best to drag out the process, initially refusing to allow Major Khan and his team access to the original data seized from Watchman’s office and other holdings. That changed quickly when Khan contacted both Nelms and Ashlyn. Nelms had a “discussion” with Waas about the situation while Ash took more direct action. She ordered a squad of Devil Dogs under Anisimova’s command to report to Khan. Major Khan then stood aside and let the sergeant major have a short “discussion” with the Midlothian intelligence officer preventing them from doing their jobs. Khan reported Anisimova very quickly put the man in his place and he swore he saw a tear in the Midlothian’s eye. Even so, the data exchange had taken longer than it should.

  But Khan and his people were finding some interesting tidbits in what data had been turned over. Unfortunately, the main question they all had remained unanswered. They still didn’t know where Watchman was.

  “Have they given us access to Watchman’s holdings and the rest of the data?” Captain Kohler asked.

  Nelms shook his head, his expression sour. “Not yet. I’ve already discussed the situation with Colonel Shaw and we’re going to make a statement the next time we go groundside.”

  “Oh?” Tremayne glanced from Nelms to Ash, her mouth thinning when the younger woman refused to look at her. She had a feeling she wasn’t going to like hat they had in mind.

  “I’ll be accompanying Secretary Nelms and his escort today, ma’am,” Ash said. “Captain Anderson will be in command here. Lt. Connery will remain as well to assist. But Sergeant Major Anisimova will be part of the escort team. I have a feeling that, between the two of us, we might be able to impress upon the Midlothians how im
portant it is they cooperate.”

  Tremayne pictured the scene and nodded. Unless the Midlothians were complete fools, they knew Ashlyn’s history. They knew she would do whatever it took to defeat the Callusians and that she had little use for anyone aiding the enemy. Her presence might do the trick. But did they dare risk her on the mission? If something happened, she would be needed on the flag ship to help coordinate the Marines during battle.

  “All right.” She pinned Ash with a firm look. “But if I order you back to the fleet, no matter what the excuse, you are to obey without question and without delay. Understood?”

  “Understood, ma’am.”

  The young woman might have said the right thing but the rebellious flash in her eyes told Tremayne she didn’t appreciate the order. Too bad. She wasn’t going to be the one to tell Elizabeth Shaw her eldest child wasn’t going to return from the mission.

  “Let’s move on,” Tremayne said. “Any other questions?”

  “What about the new defense platforms?” Ashlyn asked.

  “They will be moved into place today. We’ll keep them, as well as the sensor arrays, powered down to passive status for now. Controls are tied directly to this ship with secondary control linked to Captain Middleton’s ship.” Tremayne considered for a moment before continuing. “It’s no secret that we’re taking a book out of Admiral Collins’ book here. We’re not letting the government know what we’re doing. However, since they might have learned what was done in the Savitar VI System and might conclude we would try the same thing here, the techs have masked the passive signals. FleetCom wants to make sure anyone still working with Watchman in unable to warn him or the Callusians about our safeguards.”

  “Vreman won’t like it when he finds out.” Nelms sounded almost gleeful and Tremayne looked at him in surprise. “He likes to think he’s the one in charge of the Bureau but I’m starting to believe the real power lies with Waas. She is not only very capable, but I have a feeling she is the one working behind the scenes, making sure things get done.”

  “Captain Adamson happens to agree with you, sir,” Ash said. “She’s been taking careful note of the Midlothians when she’s been part of your escort. Her observations basically come down to Vreman doesn’t mind taking the hard road if it protects his interests which, at least at the moment, means Midlothian’s best interests. Waas, on the other hand, is the one who seems to see the whole picture.”

  “Colonel Shaw’s correct. There have been times when I’ve said or done something they didn’t expect. Each time, it’s been Waas to make the initial response with Vreman following up.”

  “What do we know about her?” Tremayne asked.

  “Not much and that is a point of concern.” Nelms rubbed his chin. “I’ve asked Major Khan to get me a full dossier on her.”

  Their conversation stopped as Tremayne’s comm beeped softly, signaling an incoming call. She reached up and touched her earbud and listened, a smile slowly spreading across her face. She thanked the comms officer and turned her attention back to the others.

  “It seems the Midlothians have decided to relent at least a little. They’ll be transferring the prisoners to our custody by end of day.”

  “Then, if you will excuse me, Admiral, I’d like to confer with Major Khan and then Ambassador Izaguirre. There will be some arrangements to be made.” Nelms climbed to his feet.

  “Of course, Mr. Secretary. I’d appreciate it if we could meet before you head back down to the planet.”

  “Give me an hour or so, Admiral.”

  She nodded and waited for him to leave. Then she turned her attention to the others. “Captain Koehler, go get some rest. I’ll bring you up to speed later.”

  “Thank you, ma’am.”

  “Now, Ash,” she continued once they were alone. “Have you discussed your plans with Anisimova?” She had no doubt the blonde would tell Ash if she thought the idea was a bad one.

  “I have and she agreed with me. MJ was the one I had to convince.”

  “Let me guess. She wanted you to remain up here and leave the detail to her.”

  Ash nodded. “Part of it is because she needs to prove to herself that she has recovered as much from her injuries as we know she has. Part of it is her need to protect me. She lost Lucinda on her watch, even though she was already injured badly enough she was out of action. Whether she admits it or not, she wants to do everything she can to make sure nothing happens to me.”

  “Just as you want to make sure nothing else happens to her.” Tremayne understood both of their concerns. “If it makes you feel better, I agree that you are the right person for the escort at this time. We need to shake the Midlothians up some. Your presence should throw them off their game.” She hoped. “But I meant it, Ash. If I order you back to the ship, you aren’t to hesitate. You’re to get your ass on a shuttle and get up here.”

  “I understand, Miranda.”

  And, judging by her expression, she did. Realizing it, Tremayne relaxed. “Are you getting any pushback from the Navy side on anything?”

  Ash grimaced slightly and shrugged. “You know how it is. There are still some who feel Marines shouldn’t be anything more than boots on the ground fighters. I know you’ve done your best to weed those who feel that way out of the fleet but there are a few who don’t agree with my people backing their specialists up.”

  Tremayne frowned. She thought that old argument would have been put to bed by Ashlyn herself. It hadn’t been that long ago the younger woman had to take command of one of the ships in Tremayne’s command when the captain was injured in battle. Ash had done a better job than many naval officers would have in that situation.

  “Who?”

  Ash shook her head and Tremayne bit back a sigh. “Let MJ and I deal with it. We’ve set up some sims for those ships involved to run, sims that will take ship commanders out of action and then cut off AuxCon. Let’s see what happens.”

  “All right.” She intended to observe the sims and see first-hand how both the Marines and their naval counterparts responded.

  Ash checked her wrist unit and stood. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to brief MJ and Connery.”

  “Go. But not unnecessary risks, Ash. I mean it.”

  “Heard and understood, ma’am.” She grinned and Tremayne shook her head.

  “Keep your comms open once you hit the surface.”

  “Yes, Mom,” she drawled with a cheeky grin.

  “Get out of here.” Tremayne laughed. “But be ready to join me for dinner after you return.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Ash threw a half-salute and left. As the hatch slid shut behind her, Tremayne blew out a long breath. Even though things were going much as she expected, she couldn’t shake the feeling this was the calm before the storm. If she was right, she needed to make sure the fleet was ready for the proverbial shoe to drop.

  12

  “Colonel.”

  Ashlyn didn’t wince but it was a close thing. She knew that tone of voice. Her aide was not happy. Nor, judging by the look on M. J. Adamson’s face, was her executive officer. Wondering what was wrong, Ash finished putting away her weapons before straightening to face the music. As she did, she felt a bit like a teen caught sneaking back in after missing curfew.

  “What’s happened?” she asked simply as she began stripping out of her armor.

  Lt. Faith Connery stepped up to help. As she did, the young woman looked in Adamson’s direction. Seeing it, Ash frowned slightly. They were up to something and she didn’t have a clue what.

  “Ma’am, we’ve had news from home.” Adamson’s voice might have been bland, but her expression was thunderous.

  Not liking the fact neither volunteered any more, she finished removing her armor and quickly dressed. Then she sat on the long bench in front of the lockers and reached for her boots.

  “Tell me.”

  She braced herself. Their grim demeanor could mean any number of things, none of them good. None of them thi
ngs she wanted to think about, not here, so far from where she could do anything about whatever the problem might be.

  “We don’t know the full details,” Anderson said. “The message said further details and amended orders would be forthcoming.”

  “Just say it, MJ.”

  “The enemy struck again. This time in the Bennington System. They attempted to use the biotoxin against the capital planet.”

  Ash felt the blood drain from her face, and she swallowed hard. Then she realized what her XO said. “Attempted?”

  Both women nodded. “The missiles were intercepted. Several LACs sacrificed themselves to intercept the missiles. But we also lost the Sullivan and the Kamura.”

  “What aren’t you telling me?”

  And why wouldn’t they get to it?

  “Both ships were hit with missiles loaded with the biotoxin.” Adamson’s voice was soft, almost anguished.

  Ash closed her eyes and offered up a quick prayer for the dead. “Where did you get the intel from?”

  “Your mother. She said further info will come as soon as they have it.”

  Ash nodded and thought hard. This was exactly what she’d tried warning the brass about. It didn’t matter her mother and Okafor agreed with her. FleetCom believed they had more time. Had that cost all those souls their lives?

  “Where’s the admiral?” Ash knew her mother would have sent word to Tremayne, hopefully with more detail.

  “In her quarters,” Connery said. “She left orders for you to report there as soon as you returned to the ship.”

  “All right.” She rubbed her hands over her face. “Brief Edita. Unless I miss my guess, Okafor will have sent her an update. See if she knows anything more than we do. Start pulling together not only amended training schedules, focusing on the new protocols, but also updated OOB based on what we know so far about what happened in the Bennington System.”

  Standing, she made up her mind. “Until we know more, let’s reinforce Nelms’ security team as well as embassy security. Put our LACs on standby. Make sure our people understand I will have the heads of anyone not following every part of the new protocols concerning the biotoxin. I do not want to lose anyone to carelessness or stupidity. Understood?”