by C. R. Daems
“And you think Weller blames you?” Scherer asked.
“I think he believes the version that blames me,” I said. A slight difference from her question since I didn’t know what he thought of me.
“Join me tonight and let me judge,” she said and I nodded to please her. Besides, I had nothing else to entertain me.
* * *
“I'm glad you could join us, Majority Leader Scherer and Miss Paulus,” Weller said as we entered, leaving off my title. Scherer noticed but said nothing—she was letting him have all rope he wanted. “You know my XO, Commander Elliott, and Colonel Sandoval, in charge of our marine detachment,” Weller said, nodding toward each man.
“Miss Paulus,” Elliot said.
“Director Paulus, General Guzman sends his regards and we’re available if you need additional help. The general is quite impressed with you. He said you’re tougher than a marine gunny.” Sandoval laughed. “Quite a compliment from the general.”
“Thank you, Colonel Sandoval. I like the general, he’s not afraid to admit when he’s wrong. In my opinion, that makes him a good man and a wise leader.”
“Are you willing to admit when you’re wrong?” Weller asked, trying to keep the anger I sensed out of his voice. Red took that opportunity to make a grand entrance, wrapping around my neck with his head facing Weller. To watch the fool, I mused with a silent laugh.
“I’ve always encouraged people to tell me when they disagree with me. But if someone disagrees with you does that make you wrong?”
“You admit you are never wrong!” Now the anger leaked out into his tone.
“You obviously have an example, so let’s hear it,” I said, somewhat amused.
“Captain Sharat!” he said.
“Great example, Captain Weller. I told Captain Sharat she was going into a trap. She agreed with me and told me she knew what the enemy brought to the trap from her previous engagement with them and the UAS crew weren’t cowards. I agreed the crew were not cowards, however, the enemy knew about the capabilities of the Tityus, but she didn’t know what the enemy was bringing to the trap. She had expected two enemy cruisers, they brought three, which completely destroyed the Tityus and were preparing to board when help arrived. I was wrong to tell the captain she was seeking glory at the expense of her crew and received a reprimand in my records, which I deserved. So, what is your point, Captain Weller?” I asked.
Weller was quiet for a long time while looking around the room. “I heard a different story—” he began.
“No, Captain Weller, you heard a rumor which you chose to believe, like Sharat who forgot she is responsible for her actions and the lives of those she commanded. She was judged reckless and held accountable by her and your superiors. Not by me!”
* * *
Scherer snickered all the way back to her cabin. “I have to admit you were right about Weller. He blames you for Captain Sharat’s problems.” She laughed. “Now he blames you because you embarrassed him. No, you stripped him of his superiority in front of his subordinates.”
“You’re right and I’m sorry about that. I’d apologize but I don’t think he would want me to. I’ll just have to claim Red made me do it,” I said, feeling a little embarrassed. I didn’t like to do that to people in public.
“It’s funny, but your…Red had his fangs exposed during your…explanation.”
“I think Red feels my adrenaline spike and reacts, or he doesn’t like his meal ticket upset.”
Scherer laughed and said good night.
* * *
Commander Cooper was waiting when I exited the shuttle and gave me a snappy salute.
“I know it’s not necessary but I’m happy to see you and wanted to.” She grinned. “Welcome to Black Water.”
“Commander Cooper, I’d like you to meet Majority Leader Scherer. Majority Leader Scherer, this eager lady is Commander Cooper, the Black Water NIA station chief.”
“Sorry, ma’am, I didn’t know,” Cooper said quickly with a beginning blush. “An honor to meet you, Majority Leader Scherer.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Commander Cooper. This is Director Paulus’s investigation. I’m just tagging along,” Scherer said.
“Director Paulus, I’ve set up a meeting with Mrs. Walker, who is the Black Water Director of Elections, and I have four cars waiting to take you there. It’s at the edge of the city but there is no convenient shuttle pad.”
“Ma’am, would you mind taking a separate car? The vehicles aren’t big enough for us and our security and they’re hunting me, therefore you’ll be safer in another car,” I said to Scherer.
“Come, Colonel Ballard, the Director is tired of my company,” Scherer said, walking to the third car in the line of four.
“Come, Commander Cooper, you’re probably dumb enough to ride with me,” I said, heading toward the second car.
“Do you think—” Cooper began but I interrupted her.
“Yes, they didn’t show on Oasis, which means they are waiting here or on New Zheng and have had time to plan. I suspect I’m number one on their to-do list.”
“Delegate McDonald’s vehicle accident was suspicious when we reviewed it but not conclusively murder. There was nothing wrong with the car. My computer person thinks there could have been something attached to the vehicle’s computer system to give someone control of the steering and brakes. It went off the road at the worse poss—”
We were thrown against our seatbelts as our driver hit the brakes, but not fast enough and we slammed into the side of the attack vehicle which had crashed into the side of our lead vehicle. I released my seatbelt as the c-agent driver pushed open the door and jumped out. I dove out after him. The c-agent on the passenger side followed the driver.
“Stay with Commander Cooper,” I said, pointing to the last man out, and began running in a crouch toward the lead car to help with the driver, suspecting the assassins would be expecting me to run toward the rear away from the attack vehicle. That caught my security by surprise as they too expected me to go in the opposite direction, and it took them several seconds to understand and follow. As I reached the hood of the vehicle I had been riding in, I saw a tall man in black raising his Mfw to shoot into the lead car. I shot him in the head as another man in black exited the back of the attack vehicle. He saw me and spun to shoot but my tailing security guard put two bullets in his chest and a final one in the head. Good thing. The two shots to the man’s chest threw him back against his vehicle but no blood appeared, indicating he was wearing protective gear.
Just then I heard weapons firing in the rear, confirming they had assassins down the street near the rear of the caravan expecting me to run in that direction. I just hoped the assassins were focused on killing me and would ignore Scherer’s vehicle as the driver of her vehicle made to leave. Ballard would have the sense to know his responsibility was to protect Scherer. Two more men in black jumped out of the attack vehicle and began firing. I crouched down and opened the front and rear doors of our lead vehicle as my security guard provided cover. The two men sitting on the passenger side were badly hurt from the crash but the other two appeared only dazed but otherwise functional. I fell face down on the ground and searched for feet, found one leg, and put a 9 mm bullet in it. The man fell onto one knee, and I put another bullet in his leg. Unfortunately, he fell backward out of my line of sight. I crawled to the front of the lead vehicle, caught sight of the man on the ground, and put a bullet in his head. By then my security had killed the other shooter. Two seconds later, two functional c-agents were beside me.
“Corporal Graves, bring Commander Cooper to the attack vehicle,” I said, thinking she would be safer in an armored vehicle than staying in vehicle two, and I may need a few c-agents for support. “Colonel Ballard you are in charge and have responsibility for Majority Leader Scherer. I recommend you do not proceed toward the rear. Unless I’m mistaken they are anticipating such a move and have it covered. You may want to call Colonel Sandoval and see if
he can’t get us some marine support. I’m leaving one c-agent to treat the two wounded men from the lead vehicle and taking Commander Cooper and three with me in the armored attack vehicle to scout ahead,” I said and waved everyone toward the attack vehicle.
As I thought, the attack vehicle had very little damage. The car was built like a tank with reinforced metal and bulletproof glass. One c-agent, Peters, took the driver’s seat, the other c-agent, Moore, the passenger side seat in the back. Corporal Graves, Cooper, and I piled into the back seat with Cooper in the middle. The driver backed the vehicle clear of our lead vehicle and continued down the road. Less than a half kilometer later we saw two cars in a V formation blocking the road and six or more men with assault weapons crouched behind them.
“Ram it, Peters,” I shouted as the other agent and I rolled down the windows enough to shoot. Peters hit right at the point of the V, buckling the front of both vehicles, and causing one to spin away clockwise and the other counterclockwise, crushing the men who had been standing near or behind the cars. Moore and I shot at anyone moving.
“Ballard, the road is clear ahead if you have everyone ready to travel,” I said into my Comm device.
“Two cars with the attackers left us to chase after you. Colonel Sandoval has notified the Black Water garrison and they are sending marine attack shuttles and troops. ETA ten minutes,” Ballard said.
“In that case, stay put. I don’t want to endanger Scherer.” I cut the connection. “Peters, see if you can back this vehicle out of sight but pointing at the road. I’d like to see if you can disable one or both of the vehicles chasing us.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Peters shouted cheerfully and had an ear-to-ear grin as he moved ahead, found an alley, and backed partway into it. He had barely shifted from reverse to drive when two vehicles could be seen speeding toward the two wrecked vehicles. I was about to tell him to go, when the two cars slowed to inspect the damage. As they began to again pick up speed, Peters gunned the attack vehicle and managed to hit the front end of one and the rear of the other. This time the vehicles didn’t spin away put tipped and rolled over twice. One settled on its side, the other on its roof.
“Peters, let’s go back to our caravan. I don’t think this bunch will be any more trouble. We’ll let the marines clear up the mess and take any prisoners they find alive.”
When I arrived back, the marine detachment had arrived in two combat shuttles. Marines were everywhere, searching the area and guarding the cars. I saw Ballard talking with a marine major.
“Graves, escort Commander Cooper to the shuttle,” I said and headed toward Ballard and the major with my security following. Red wound around my neck as I walked. He had stayed inside my clothing during the action.
“The marines have the area secure, ma’am, and Majority Leader Scherer is unhurt and inside the combat shuttle over there.” Ballard pointed to one of the shuttles.
“What’s the status of our agents?” I asked and wanted to cross my fingers, toes, and eyes but resisted. The space gods would have to be content with a silent plea that no one died.
“Four wounded but Major Sutton brought a doctor, who informed me that the four are stable and on their way to the army hospital. “Director Paulus, this is Major Sutton. Major Sutton, this is Miss Paulus, Director of Committee Security.”
“Nice to meet you, ma’am. General Guzman had us on alert for your arrival. He said our criminals didn’t like you. He was right—as usual.” He snorted.
“Thank you, Major Sutton. Your help is greatly appreciated. The group I’m chasing are afraid I’m going to shut them down and deprive them of the power they believe is their right,” I said. “If you will excuse me, I had better check on my guests.”
“Of course, ma’am.” He nodded and I made my way to the shuttle. The two marines saluted and stepped aside as I approached. Inside, Scherer and Cooper sat talking, which I took as a good sign.
“Still think it was a good idea to come along?” I asked with a wry smile.
“Yes!” Scherer said, surprising me. I doubted she had ever seen a firefight, much less been part of one. “If I had stayed on Eastar, you would have returned and delivered a written report on what happened, but I doubt you could convey what I’m seeing. I’m seeing what is going on in the trenches, watching you…using the power of P1A authority, and learning a lot about our Director. And the threat is low as they want to kill you, nobody else. They were only shooting at the c-agents in self-defense.” She smiled at Cooper, then laughed. You seem to have the ability to morph from the mild-mannered Director of Committee Security, to professional troubleshooter, to c-agent.” She gave me a critical appraisal.
I looked to Cooper, who laughed. “Another fun story about the best boss and mentor I’ve ever had. The Majority Leader is right. The attackers weren’t interested in anyone but you.”
“Good,” I said. “I’m going to ask you to change vehicles since there is no shuttle access where we are going. The assassins have kindly donated their armored vehicle to get us to our meeting.”
Scherer laughed. “I was expecting the meeting to be canceled, a session or two with a shrink, a dinner at a five-star restaurant, and a suite where we could rest for a few days.”
“Sorry, ma’am, the Director’s budget won’t permit it,” I said, trying to look apologetic.
To my surprise, the major insisted on accompanying us to our meeting and waiting to escort us wherever else we were going.
“General Guzman would have my ears cut off and mounted on his wall if something happened to you. He obviously thinks very highly of you, ma’am.”
* * *
We entered the Elections Headquarters and were escorted to the director’s office, where a silver-haired woman with a condescending voice informed me the director was busy.
“I’m sorry, miss, you are two hours late so I’m afraid you will have to reschedule. The director’s schedule is very full. She’s a very busy woman.” She smiled sweetly.
“I’m sorry…Norma” I said after reading the name plate on her desk. “You’re going to interrupt whatever the director is doing and tell her the Director of Committee Security is here and because she is, the meeting is now.” I waved toward the director’s door. Gloria rose, knocked on the door, and entered. A minute later she came out followed by several men and women.
“Director Walker will see you now,” she said with a small smile which I assumed meant the director had made some snide remark.
“Thank you, Norma,” I said and proceeded into the office with Scherer, Cooper, Maxine, and two of our security following. Four others remained outside.
“I intend to complain to the Committee. You’re two hours late and expect me to rearrange my schedule to accommodate you.”
“Director Walker, you’re in luck. May I present Majority Leader Scherer,” I said and nodded to Scherer, who stood to my right. Walker shot to her feet.
“Your objection is noted,” Scherer said. She moved to the most comfortable of the three chairs in the room and sat, hiding her amusement with masterful control. “You’ll need more chairs.”
“How can I help you, Director Paulus?” Walker said after an additional chair had been delivered.
“I’d like to understand the procedure when something happens to an elected Committee delegate,” I said.
“I call for a special election in the district the delegate was elected,” she said and then added, “Black Water is divided into five districts.”
“And how does the voting procedure work?”
“I announce a special election, which defines how long the candidates have to campaign. The voters have one day to vote and the forms are forwarded to Election Headquarters, where they are counted, the results certified and published, and the individual sworn in.”
“How are the forms counted?” I asked.
“By certified Election Counting Machines,” Walkers said in a teacher to student tone.
“No humans review or sample the f
orms?”
“Machines don’t make mistakes.” She sneered. True, but garbage in, garbage out, I mused.
“How long do you maintain the forms?” I asked with the patience of a fisherman waiting all afternoon on a hot summer day for the fish to bite.
“Seven years,” she said with a sigh. Finally, I mused.
“Good, if you will show me the archived forms, my team and I can get started,” I said as I rose.
“You can’t!” Walker came out of her chair. “Those are official records and can’t be reviewed without a judge’s order. And, of course, I’ll appeal it on the grounds they were certified correct and you have no reason to question the certification.”
I smiled, pulled out my P1A placard, and held it at eye level facing Walker.
“You lost your appeal. Now if you will take me to the records and show me the Election Counting Machines, I’d appreciate it. Of course, you could refuse and earn a bed at Stonewall,” I said. “Your choice.”
Walker walked out of the office and to the elevators, which we took to the basement. She located a vault which was secured with verbal and retina scan security checks. The walls inside the room were steel and the door was the only means of access.
“There!” She pointed to an area defined by yellow tape and a sign reading: Special Election, District Four, and a date one month ago. She turned and walked out and entered another room across the hallway, this time using a key pad and thumb print. The room contained an assortment of machines. “You’re responsible for those records,” she shouted.
“No, Mrs. Walker, you’re responsible for those records and are welcome to stay while we review them or to appoint someone in your place,” I said. “First I’d like them moved into this room so we can perform some tests.”
“You have men that can carry them in here.” She gestured to several c-agents.
“They are my security. They shoot people I don’t like, but they are not servants and don’t fetch and carry.”
* * *