by Britt Ringel
“What?”
Truesworth nodded and wiped at his eyes. “He just came on the bridge, relieved her of duties and confined her to quarters. No explanation at all. At first, I thought he was kidding.”
Gables’ voice filled with sympathy. “Jack, I’m so sorry.”
Truesworth beat his head with the palm of his right hand. “Crap, I need to be disabling your comm panel, Gabes. I’m sorry.”
Gables motioned toward it. “It’s okay, I understand.” She looked at the door quickly. “Jack, can you do me a big favor?”
Truesworth was busily inputting commands into the wall panel but said, “Sure, what do you need?”
Gables went to a dresser and opened a drawer. She snatched an item from it and moved to her friend. “I’m afraid I.S. is going to search my room. If they find this, I’ll be royally screwed.” She handed over the item.
“What is this?”
“It’s a Hollaran marine badge. Worse still, it has some kind of transmitter inside it. If I.S. finds this they’ll think I’m a spy.” She looked at him with pleading eyes. “Please, Jack, can you take it? I’m in enough trouble with the Navy as it is.”
Truesworth closed his hand around the badge. “To hell with Internal Security and if this is how they reward good service, to hell with the Navy.”
Seven minutes later, Truesworth exited the room. He began to walk down the corridor but the I.S. agent grabbed his arm. “You took long enough, Lieutenant.”
Truesworth gave the agent a disdainful look and shrugged noncommittally. The agent once again relieved Truesworth of his datapad and ran the sniffer device over the lieutenant. “Okay, no electronics on you. We can’t be too careful, you know. Here.” He handed the datapad back to the sensorman, who merely grunted.
When Truesworth turned the corner, he opened his mouth and removed the marine badge. Casually slipping it inside his pants pocket, he walked deliberately toward his quarters.
Chapter 23
Brevic Navy Ships Return Victorious
BREAKING
Gillen, Titan (Titan News Flash): Navy ships cut off from the Republic after a daring raid against the Hollaran system of Helike returned victorious after being listed missing in action for two months. The dangerous and bold naval operation was, in part, planned and authorized by the Titan General Council and Third Fleet Headquarters. In the returning naval squadron’s possession was a prize Hollaran warship, taken as a direct result of the beleaguered squadron’s intrepid commanding officer, Commander (sel) Garrett Heskan.
“He is a hero of the Republic, like each and every person in his squadron,” Rear Admiral Mitchell Hayes proclaimed. “We owe each man and woman aboard our gratitude. The capture of the Hollaran invaders marks our inevitable triumph over the aggressors in this war.” The Hollaran warship, reputed to be a battle cruiser used in the failed invasion attempt of Sponde, has yielded significant intelligence and a sizeable inventory of planetary fusion missiles.
“These missiles,” Titan Councilwoman McMasters said, “which would have undoubtedly been fired at our population centers, will be dismantled so they can never threaten humans again. The members of this council have once again preserved the security and safety of the entire Northern Sector. Now, the Hollaran invaders will face the consequences of naked aggression and their disregard for the rules of war.” Reports are that hundreds of Hollaran crewmen were taken into custody despite an incident that resulted in the deaths of multiple sailors bent on suicide.
Commander (sel) Heskan was unavailable for comment as speculation suggests he will lead a specialized think tank regarding naval strategy along the northern portion of the disputed zone. With champions such as him protecting our borders, the countdown to Brevic victory races ever closer.
ENDOFREPORT#TITAN995324573TAC75492
* * *
It had been nearly a week since Heskan’s interview with Secretary Brewer. During that time, he had hollowly run a hollow ship. Each day brought more transfers from Kite as sailors were replaced with civilian technicians. Unlike Vernay’s mysterious disappearance, the transfers were not ominous. As Kite prepared for her lengthy stay in a repair dock, sailors deemed non-essential to that effort were moved to other Brevic warships requiring replacements. Kite, already running with a skeleton crew when she first dove into Anthe, had truly been cut to the bone. Empty hallways led to deserted rooms. Only Engineering resembled anything close to a manned section. The only constants over the last week were those crewmembers interred in their quarters, still awaiting transportation to Titan. Their I.S. captors also remained, a persistent reminder to Heskan as to who ultimately controlled the destroyer.
The news reports of CortRon 15’s successful return had been running for the better part of three days. Though short on facts and long on speculation, one thing was clear to Heskan: Phoenix had been taken and Lombardi was most likely dead. How much Vernay’s interview had contributed to these events was unknown to him. He had not seen her since she departed Kite with Agent Jennings. Heskan was struggling mightily to adapt to the new reality that he probably would never see her again.
Heskan’s reflections were interrupted as he stopped at the third checkpoint and held his arms out submissively. After being scanned, he was escorted through Envoy-3. This time, he was led past Interview Room Beta and into a lavishly furnished, larger room. His guide motioned for him to sit in a plush chair near a genuine oak table. Screens adorned three of the four walls and the conference table held three separate inlaid screens. Seated in the remaining three chairs were Secretary Brewer and two other bureaucrats Heskan did not recognize.
“Welcome, Commander, please sit,” Brewer greeted as he poured a brown alcohol from an antique bottle into a glass. Heskan noted that each of the other men was drinking as well. Brewer slid the glass toward Heskan, then stood up and reached out to him. He casually dropped a pair of silver oak leaves into Heskan’s hand. “Congratulations, Commander. I had to pull some strings to push this promotion through but you deserve it.”
Heskan stared at the silver full commander’s rank insignia in his palm. Where are the other twenty-eight? I thought thirty pieces was the customary payment for what I’ve done.
“Well, put them on,” Brewer encouraged.
Once Heskan had affixed the new rank, Brewer said boisterously, “They look good, Commander. Very well-earned.” His demeanor darkened instantly. “Are you ready to earn more?” Brewer asked. He looked to the well-dressed man on his right. “Assistant Secretary Neal has some questions.”
“Yes, Mr. Secretary.” Heskan turned to Neal and asked, “How can I help?”
“First,” Neal began, “I want to apologize for burdening you with the traitors still being held on Kite. We have requested a special courier to transport them to Titan but nothing suitable is in the immediate sector. It will take some time before we have the resources in place. The same goes for that New Roman, we’ve decided to just send her to Titan as well. Don’t worry, they’ll all eventually be removed from your ship.”
“I’m still holding out hope for Selvaggio,” Brewer said. “Depending on her interviews, I think we can salvage her with enough re-bluing. She may never be trustworthy enough to serve but hopefully we can confidently dismiss her from military service instead of instituting perpetual custody.”
Don’t say anything, Garrett. If they sense my attachment, they’ll destroy all of them to show me who holds the power. “I understand, sir.”
Neal nodded and moved on. “Next, I have some questions regarding the threat you call The Parasites.”
Heskan’s anxiety spiked. “Yes?” Please let them take this threat seriously!
“You mention in your report your belief that a Parasite attack on a planet would be devastating. Do you still believe this, Commander?”
Heskan nodded vigorously. “Yes, sir. They’re almost impossible to stop on a ship where we could use decompression against them. On the surface of a planet, there would be no defense.”
The man nodded gravely. “I believe you are correct.” He glanced down at his datapad and then continued. “Yet you say that their stellar combat capabilities are…” He scrolled the page on his datapad briefly and searched. “Ineffective.”
Heskan parsed his answer. “That was a slight distortion, sir. They are incredibly deadly in a space encounter but their tactics cause them to lose vast numbers of cutters through their attrition-based attacks.” He paused for effect. “But, sir, when they attack, especially in force, they’re lethal.”
The man looked annoyed. “‘Ineffective’ was your own word, Commander. Besides, if they were so deadly in stellar combat, your CortRon wouldn’t have survived.”
What is he getting at? Heskan wondered.
“My question is,” the man stared intensely at Heskan, “if these Parasites could be controlled in a stellar environment and directed at some of our enemies’ home systems, they could be a great weapon, could they not?”
You’re mad. Are you seriously considering unleashing the greatest threat humankind has encountered on ourselves? “Controlling where they travel would be nearly impossible, sir,” Heskan suggested. “And how would we prevent their colonies from spreading?”
Neal waved his hand dismissively. “We have fusion weapons, Commander, and the will to use them. As far as shepherding them in space, we’ll have you to assist and advise us.” The man smiled. “I’ve already sent word to Kite that effective immediately, you’re being reassigned. Kite’s acting first officer can command the ship since there’s hardly anyone left to command anyway. You are now officially part of an Internal Security and Navy joint task force working on an undisclosed project.”
“I assure you, Garrett,” Brewer promised, “that after six months, you’ll receive command of a battle cruiser. To be frank with you, although I could rush the promotion, even an I.S. Secretary has to wait for a BC command to open up. For now, transfer your personal items off Kite and take some well-deserved leave.” He slid a small holo-drive over to Heskan. “Here, now that you are a part of Internal Security, you should have the perks associated with it. That will sync-up your datapad to reflect your new status. While you’re at it, take a vacation on the Republic’s tab. There’s an account on that drive, just place your vacation on it. We’ll need you well-rested when the think tank officially forms after the sun sets on Phoenix. Let’s say three weeks.”
I’m being cut out of the loop. Barely hearing Brewer’s words, Heskan merely nodded passively. “Is that all, Mr. Secretary?”
“Not quite.” Brewer looked at each of the men beside him. “You have, no doubt, seen the news reports regarding Phoenix.”
Heskan battled to keep his expression neutral. For all my plotting, I waited too long. I’m so sorry, Isabella. I failed you. “Yes,” he choked out.
Brewer leaned on the plush padding of his chair’s arm. “Unfortunately, word was leaked a bit early. The Titan General Council was anxious to take credit—”
“That fool, McMasters,” spat Neal.
Brewer ignored the interruption. “Lombardi remains a tough nut to crack. She insists that she will fire upon any shuttle heading toward her ship.” He smiled sarcastically. “Apparently, she doesn’t trust me.”
Heskan’s heart soared with the news. She’s alive and in control of Phoenix? How can Titan have sent those news reports? Heskan grimly realized that the political ambitions of a few would have dire consequences for many. They have to take Phoenix in one piece now or everyone will know they’ve lied.
“Lombardi keeps asking to speak with you, Garrett.” Brewer held up a hand. “Don’t worry, we know your allegiances but she obviously doesn’t and we can use that… provided you’re willing to use her trust.” He arched an eyebrow at Heskan.
What can I say? If I tell him no, they’ll try to board Phoenix anyway, they have no choice. When Isabella fires on those shuttles, Claymore and the other ships will destroy her. I can’t save Phoenix but maybe I can still save Isabella and her crew. “I can try, Mr. Secretary.”
Smiles broke out across the three men. “Excellent,” Brewer said. “I knew the Republic could count on you.” He typed commands into his datapad. After a brief pause, a voice from a conference table speaker answered, “Yes, Mr. Secretary?”
“Joseph, do you have Lombardi on hold still?” Brewer asked.
“Yes, Mr. Secretary.” Another pause. “I’ve routed the call to your wall screen. You just have to accept.”
Brewer closed the channel. “Garrett, I want you to convince Lombardi to allow five shuttles to land on Phoenix. Of course, they’re specialized and four will be filled with I.S. agents but, as I’ve explained to her, they contain dignitaries from Titan who want to discuss safe passage through the Republic. We’ve also mentioned that members of the Titan Council wish to greet her personally at the shuttle bay to present her with a token of Brevic appreciation for her part in CortRon Fifteen’s safe return.”
Neal chuckled lightly, which brought smiles to the other two men. Brewer admitted, “Yes, we rather like that touch.”
The three men chuffed harder until Brewer held out a hand to stifle the light laughter. “One last thing, Garrett, Lombardi thinks my name is Angelo and that I am a civilian assistant to the Navy in Titan. Don’t blow my cover.”
Heskan grinned. She probably knows exactly who you are, Mr. Secretary. How do I warn her about what’s coming without them knowing? There’s probably a hundred years of experience in identifying deception seated at this table. “Of course not, sir.”
“Good. Here we go.” Brewer accepted the communications channel forwarded to him by his assistant. Several seconds later, Komandor Lombardi appeared on the room’s main wall screen.
Heskan found her difficult to look at. Lombardi’s skin was pale and her normally healthy cheeks had sunken slightly. Dark circles resided under sleep-deprived eyes. Constant stress had worn distinct lines into her face. “Mr. Angelo,” she greeted without a trace of emotion. Then, her eyes caught Heskan. Fighting a losing battle, obvious hope flickered through her face and she thoughtlessly called out his name before regaining a modicum of control. She sighed as she looked at him, as if drawing much needed strength from his image.
Watching the time-delayed reaction made Heskan smile openly. “Hello, Komandor. It’s been a while.” He paused while he waited for the message to travel the 4lm between the Anthe orbital and Anthe-4.
“I tried to contact Kite but this succhiasangue prevents it.” She looked at him earnestly. “Is it as I feared, Commander?”
Yes, but not forever, Isabella. I swear to you. Heskan frantically searched for a turn of phrase to which he could attach some hidden meaning. He could feel three pairs of evil eyes watching him intently. “Uh, no, in fact it’s good news, Komandor. I’ve finally been able to get the Council to see reason. They’re going to permit Phoenix’s passage through the Republic.” Dammit, Heskan, think of something; you’re blowing it. He tried to devise some secret signal he could send as he waited for her response.
Lombardi looked profoundly at Heskan. “I want to believe you, Commander. You’re the only one I can trust now.”
Silence extended as Heskan’s mind raced. I’m coming up empty. “Um, yes, you can, Komandor.” In desperation he added, “Titan’s dignitaries will appreciate a most warm welcome, Komandor.” He looked feebly around him at the wary men in the room and tried to explain his statement away. “They’re used to a lot of pomp and circumstance.”
“Unfortunately,” Brewer interjected, “Commander Heskan has an important matter to attend to, Komandor. We were lucky enough to steal him away from his duties to have him inform you that my offer is genuine.” He smiled, conveying a deep understanding. “I can appreciate your disbelief considering our governments’ stances toward each other, but let’s leave our petty political squabbles out of this. I’m just a humble servant of the military, one who recognizes the vital role your ship played in Commander Heskan’s return.”
Ta
king full advantage of the time-delay, Brewer finished, “The Council wants to meet within the hour. I will contact you shortly but first I must ensure the commander makes it to his meeting. Perhaps this will be the beginning of thawing relations between our governments. Goodbye, Komandor.” The channel closed.
Heskan seethed inside. You idiot. You blew your chance. “A most warm welcome?” What does that even mean? He tried to keep his expression neutral but knew he was failing. He looked up at three distrustful, judging faces. Shaking his head, he uttered, “I’m sorry, Mr. Secretary. I’m not good at cloak-and-dagger games. I don’t think I was very convincing.” He continued to look disgusted by his performance. Oh sure, Garrett, when it’s your ass on the line, you can think of something.
“Get those troop transports moving,” Brewer ordered Neal. He turned to Heskan. “You did well enough. We didn’t expect you to be perfect. Some people just aren’t cut out for this type of work. To be honest, I’d have been worried if you had performed flawlessly.” He laughed agreeably and the other two men joined him. The four men stood and Brewer slapped Heskan’s back as they walked toward the door. “Enjoy your time off and don’t worry, Garrett. We all knew you weren’t a spy coming into this but I knew you would help. I’m glad I didn’t misjudge you.”
Once outside the conference room, Heskan followed his escort to the docking ring. I may not be a spy, Mr. Secretary, but you most definitely have misjudged me.
Chapter 24
Just three more hallways, he thought. Heskan was running unceremoniously down the corridors of Kite. The ship was so deserted that he had little fear of encountering another crewmember, further mitigated by the fact that he had simply run out of time. He had wasted days cautiously looking for opportunities, gingerly probing for ways to keep his promises. Early on, Heskan had decided that thoughtless, panicked actions would only end up with him being removed from the equation, completely powerless to help his friends. And look what patient scheming has gotten me so far? It’s time for a little panic, he thought. He would be leaving Kite forever. The prison ship heading for Anthe was potentially weeks away, but the I.S. shuttles would rendezvous with Phoenix in less than thirty minutes.