Sojourn
Page 18
Immediately, Tortred’s captain called the fleet commander’s captain, who had been nervously waiting for the contact. The conversation was intended to sound natural — two old friends passing the time, talking of mates, offspring, and home. Code words were passed, and the fleet commander, an ardent supporter of the governor, received a visit from his captain and junior officers.
Afterwards, the captain and crew members woke the commander’s senior staff. Some of the staff said they’d come peacefully, but the captain knew these individuals well, and they weren’t to be trusted. On his express orders, the crew stunned each one.
With the passing of the code words, the sweep of Tratget, his fleet commander, and senior staff into the lockups was efficiently executed.
In contrast, Somgut’s fleet commander, Sotagar, led the revolt, and it had only one movement since his staff officers supported him. Sotagar took a shuttle to the governor’s ship.
Sotagar and the ship’s captain stood outside Somgut’s cabin, and the commander signaled the governor’s door. Unexpectedly, the door slid aside immediately, and Sotagar and the captain found Somgut dressed and waiting.
“I’m ready,” Somgut said quietly. She walked past the commander and captain and led their party to the lockup.
The taking of Durgat and his senior officers was a botched process. Durgat was suspicious of his captain’s late-night visit, and he insisted on an explanation that detailed the problem, while he kept the door closed.
Meanwhile, Durgat warned the fleet commander, who gathered his senior staff and armed them with stun weapons.
The commander and his staff attacked the bridge and overpowered the ship’s captain, third watch, and the crew members who came to their aid.
To expedite the impasse, Durgat’s captain ordered crew to cut through the governor’s door. Then they had to repeat the action on the facilities’ door, behind which Durgat barricaded himself.
When the crew broke through the final door, the captain was forced to restrain the number of individuals anxious to deliver their shocks to Durgat’s inert body.
Aboard the fleet commander’s ship, the first officer organized a large contingent of crew to take back the bridge. They cut through the bridge’s heavy blast door, which took them a while. When the door fell with a loud bang, the crew rushed the defenders. Having been locked out of the weapons cache, the crew wielded metal bars.
The first officer’s forces fell, two to one, against the stun weapons, but their numbers were many times greater. By the time the commander and his staff were finally overpowered, two staff officers were dead, killed by blows to their heads. They were the only two deaths in an otherwise peaceful revolt to overthrow the governors and their supporters.
Somgut’s fleet commander, Sotagar, summed up the revolt the best to his governor. He said, “You dishonored our ancient rite. You and the other governors admitted Sargut had undergone a Change, after his visit to Toral’s mound. By your remarks, the Change was profound. Rather than accept that, as you should have, you sought to usurp his rights and send him away. Your treachery is a sad day for Toralians, but the officers and crews of these fleets are proud to have corrected your serious error of judgment.”
-17-
Reunions
“Governor Sunnamis, you’ve a call from Somgut’s fleet commander,” the comms officer announced.
Sunnamis thought to take the call privately in her quarters, but she reconsidered. The governors, of which admittedly she was one, had a bad habit of keeping too many secrets.
Nodding at the comms officer to open the call on the bridge, Sunnamis said, “Yes, Fleet Commander Sotagar.”
“Governor Sunnamis, I’m contacting you to make you aware that, except for myself and my staff, all governors, commanders, and staff officers of the four fleets are in custody.”
“Thank you for the information, Commander,” Sunnamis replied. She glanced around the bridge. Faces displayed the crews’ shock. Then she added, “However, I’m wondering why you’re reporting this to me.”
“Under the circumstances, Governor, I could use some advice,” Sotagar replied.
“Do you realize what you’ve done?” Sunnamis asked.
“I’ve led a revolt against our leaders,” Sotagar replied.
Sunnamis and the bridge audience noticed that the commander didn’t sound apologetic about his actions.
“Yes, you did, and in my view, you had cause. However, that’s not what I was asking. What does it mean that our five fleets sailed here?” Sunnamis asked.
Sotagar hesitated, and Sunnamis eyed the bridge officers once more. Shock was replaced by frowns, as the crew considered what the commander had done, especially if their governor supported him.
“Governor Somgut sailed our fleet here under false pretenses, and we entered this system without permission,” Sotagar admitted.
“Correct, as did I,” Sunnamis said, continuing to admit her complicity. “So, who was wronged by these actions?”
“President Sargut, the rightful leader of Talus, and apparently the one I should call,” Sotagar finished.
Sunnamis glanced at Julien, who quickly arranged a connection, and Sotagar heard, “This is President Sargut.”
With the instant response, Sotagar believed the president was standing beside the governor. Later, he was shocked to learn that the leader stood on the deck of an Omnian ship, which was stationed near Toral.
Not certain that Sargut had heard him, Sotagar repeated what he’d told Sunnamis and asked forgiveness for violating Talus space under false pretenses.
“Your transgressions are yours to live with, Commander. I’ll not be adding to them,” Sargut said. “What are your intentions now?”
“That’s why I’m calling, President Sargut. I’m seeking advice,” Sotagar said.
Sargut glanced at Alex, and his expression indicated he was seeking Alex’s intervention.
“Fleet Commander Sotagar. This is Alex Racine, leader of the Omnians.”
“An honor to greet you, Leader Alex Racine.”
“Would you be willing to collect those who you’ve arrested and transfer them to Fleet Commander Taralum’s ship?” Alex asked.
“For what purpose?” Sotagar asked.
“Didn’t you admit to President Sargut that your fleets committed unlawful acts in entering Talus space?” Alex asked.
“Yes,” Sotagar replied.
“And didn’t the governors lead you here under false pretenses?” Alex pursued.
“Yes,” Sotagar admitted.
“And do you accept that President Sargut is the rightful leader of this system?” Alex continued.
“By the statements heard on the broadcast, it would seem so, but I’ve not witnessed it,” Sotagar replied.
“Fair enough, Commander,” Alex admitted. “I propose a trade of sorts. You collect the offenders on your ship. I’ll bring the president to you. You can see President Sargut for yourself. Then you can deliver your charges to us.”
“President Sargut, what will happen to these citizens?” Sotagar asked.
“That’s a good question, Commander,” Sargut replied. “We’re a new society, which only recently formed a constitution. We haven’t defined a judicial process, which we must rectify. You see, the governors and the others are our first transgressors. While I might be content with the Toralian legal system, the Sisterhood, who represents our other group of citizens, might have different views.”
“Is there the possibility of obtaining visuals of the conversation heard on the broadcast?” Sotagar asked.
“The Omnians can supply any number of vids, Sotagar. They can convert it to the Toralian image format. That’s how they fooled Artifice,” Sargut replied. “Commander, do you know what will happen when you return to your colony?”
“Yes,” Sotagar replied, his voice dropping in intensity. “The Omnian imagery will exonerate our revolt, but the new governor won’t abide me serving on any Toralian warship. It will be the same f
or my staff and every captain in these fleets. However, we’ve sworn to protect the names of those junior officers and crew members who assisted us.”
“That’s another reason, Commander, to turn over the offenders to us,” Alex interjected. “You don’t want them identifying those who helped you.”
“You, your staff, and captains would be welcome in this system, Sotagar,” Sargut said earnestly. “The honor of your actions speaks highly of you and the others.”
“Your offer is appreciated, President Sargut, but all I know is fleet service,” Sotagar admitted.
“You couldn’t have failed to notice the arrival of the Omnian fleets behind you,” Sargut said.
“An amazing and frightening display of navigation,” Sotagar admitted.
“We’re building those warships and the fighters they carry,” said Sargut, his voice coaxing. It was an effect of the Change. “This system must be rebuilt, and it must be protected. We’ve need of every sort of skill, and in all cases, the individuals who help us will be learning Omnian technology. Do you have an interest in commanding a fleet of these warships one day, Sotagar?”
The commander was mesmerized by Sargut’s words. It dawned on him that it would be unnecessary to see the president. He was exercising an aspect of the Change already.
“Leader Alex Racine, your offer is accepted. We’ll be ready when you arrive,” Sotagar said.
* * *
Alex decided to sail the Freedom to meet Sotagar. Direct transfer from the commander to the city-ship would be the safest method of controlling the arrested individuals. Besides, Renée and Tatia were adamant about it.
In the meantime, the eight fleets remained where they were. Not a warship moved.
When the Freedom arrived at the site of the confrontation, the four SADEs aboard Sunnamis’s fleet left for the city-ship. A traveler transferred Miriamette from Taralum’s ship to the city-ship. Then Alex called Sotagar and communicated the transfer to take place aboard the Freedom.
Two shuttles left Sotagar’s ship and were directed to a city-ship bay.
Alex, Tatia, Sargut, Suntred, Julien, Z, Miranda, Miriamette, and security made up the welcoming party.
Sotagar alone descended from a shuttle. He hadn’t crossed half the deck before he stuttered to a halt. Sargut’s Change was that visible.
“Come,” Sargut encouraged Sotagar. He held out his hands to the commander.
“I’m ashamed,” Sotagar admitted, as he approached Sargut.
“That’s in the past, Sotagar. Let’s embrace our future,” Sargut replied.
“Yes,” Sotagar agreed, taking Sargut’s hands and touching them to his forehead ridges. For Toralians, it was an act of both apology and forgiveness. Then Sotagar released Sargut’s hands, turned, and whistled sharply.
Groups of junior officers, brandishing stun weapons, descended the shuttles. After them came four governors, three commanders, and fifteen staff officers. More junior officers made up the rear guards.
The arrested Toralians, except for the governors, were taken aback by Sargut. They were struck by the enormity of their offense. Some of the staff officers called out for clemency.
Alex, Tatia, and Julien, who were surrounded by security, which included Z and Miranda, stepped from behind Sargut, Suntred, and Miriamette, and the company of arriving Toralians quieted.
“You’re aboard the Omnian ship, Freedom,” Alex announced in a deep, commanding voice. “Those of you who are under arrest will remain incarcerated here until other arrangements are made for you.”
When Julien completed the translation, Alex turned to Sotagar and said, “I presume the terms of our exchange are satisfied.”
On hearing Julien, Sotagar agreed it was.
Alex held out his hand and said, “Good fortune, Fleet Commander Sotagar.”
Sotagar eyed the heavy, outstretched hand. He heard Julien say, “By taking our leader’s hand, you accept his wish that fortune will treat you well.”
Sotagar flashed his teeth at the invitation and laid the back of his hand in Alex’s palm. Then he whirled around and whistled to the junior officers. The escort company of Toralians hustled to board the shuttles.
Security escorted the prisoners out of the bay. The governors glared at Sargut as they passed. The rest of the prisoners were transfixed by the president’s transformation.
The Omnians, Sargut, Suntred, and Miriamette returned to the city-ship’s bridge. They passed the time discussing the recent events and what might become of the leaders of the revolt.
On the subject of the governors’ treatment, Sargut and Suntred were confused by Tatia’s reference to a trip to an airlock exit.
Finally, they received the word from Cordelia, which they’d been waiting to hear. She said, “The governors’ fleets are underway. They’re headed into the dark.”
Not long afterwards, Cordelia added an update,
Alex leaned away from his desk and considered what came next.
Alex was still at work at his desk, when Cordelia alerted him that Sunnamis would arrive soon. That was quick, he thought, which gave him an indication of the urgency of her needs. He requested Miriamette collect Suntred and that Julien escort Sargut to meet with Sunnamis and him in the suite.
“Thank you for agreeing to meet with me,” Sunnamis said, after pleasantries were finished and everyone was seated. “I want to apologize for my actions when I accompanied the other governors.”
“That you changed your mind was what counted,” Renée said.
“Agreed,” Sargut added, and Sunnamis tipped her head in recognition of the forbearance.
“I’ll be sailing my fleet for home, when I return to my ship,” Sunnamis continued, “and I’ll explain to the council my actions … all of them.”
“What will happen?” Renée asked.
“I expect to be removed as governor,” Sunnamis replied.
“Is that the sum of it?” Julien asked.
“The colonies will know of my disgrace. It’ll limit my opportunities,” Sunnamis admitted.
“You’ve heard my invitation to Sotagar and the officers of his fleet. The same goes for you,” Sargut said.
“Thank you for the offer, President Sargut, and that’s what I’d like to discuss,” Sunnamis said. “I’ve assets that might prove valuable to Talus.”
Alex smiled and leaned back on the couch. Sunnamis noticed Alex’s reaction, and she displayed her pointed teeth. The pair found themselves on familiar ground.
And, if the others couldn’t recognize the subtle change in atmosphere, Julien gave them a hint when his fedora appeared.
Suntred whistled at Julien’s display, which had startled Sunnamis.
Sargut regarded Alex, Julien, and Sunnamis and then said, “I think Miriamette, Suntred, and I will listen and comment when appropriate, and I’ll save my approval for the end. You may begin, Governor.”
Sunnamis flashed her teeth again, and said, “I own two freighters and a passenger ship. All three are interstellar capable.”
“An individual of substance,” Alex allowed.
“And I’ve a great deal of credits, which won’t be usef
ul outside the colonies,” Sunnamis finished.
“So, you’re wondering what Sargut and Miriamette need that you could purchase at your colonies and fill your freighters,” Alex supplied.
“You and I could be valuable partners,” Sunnamis said, issuing a soft appreciative whistle.
“But you have a concern,” Alex said pointedly.
Sunnamis’s dark eyes sparkled. She calculated that her position was lost, but she hoped to save much of the assets that she’d accumulated before and after her governorship appointment. It was surprising, yet gratifying, that it was an alien leader who was facilitating her wish.
“Your system needs a great deal of work. It must have supplies,” Sunnamis said. “I could offer to trade for what my freighters carry, but it doesn’t look like you have things I might consider valuable. The other option is to request payment in credits, but you’ve hardly rebuilt your infrastructure. I’d think a financial system hasn’t crossed your minds.”
“We’d be amenable to purchasing your supplies, if they’re useful to us, with our credits,” Miriamette offered.
Sunnamis was tempted to whistle her humor, except that her audience was regarding her with quiet eyes. “Talus credits?” she inquired dubiously.
“Omnian credits,” Miriamette replied.
Sunnamis’s surprise was obvious, and she glanced toward Alex for confirmation, but he regarded her without changing his facial expression.
“Omnian credits would be acceptable,” Sunnamis said, taking a moment to compose her thoughts. She expected her negotiations would be easy and fruitful, with her decades of experience. Apparently, others in the room possessed the same qualities.
“We’ll provide a list of our immediate needs, Governor,” Miriamette said. “You can tell us the items and in what quantities you can fulfill them. Refined metals and gases will be the most valuable.”
“I can provide many of these items, and my freighters are capable of carrying mixed cargo,” Sunnamis replied cheerfully. “When can you provide your list?”