When Doctor Strauss arrived, Lindsay turned her attention to helping out as the doctor checked each of the crewmembers for lingering effects of their imprisonment. As Lois put away her med-scanner, she announced, “These bed clothes aren’t going to do. I’ll bet we can get some clothes from the neighbors.” She pulled out her communicator and began calling. She soon had an assortment of clean clothes on their way for the crew. After finishing her calls, she cornered Colt.
“You’re not planning to have your people sleep on the floor are you? And you certainly don’t expect to put them up in Sykesville, either.”
Colt looked down. “I’ve been thinking about that. Technically we should all go back to First Landing. The guard barracks …”
She interrupted, “We could use your people here, you know. Putting professionals in charge – sounds like what the separatists are doing so well.”
“What do you have in mind?”
“This whole operation, not just the ‘stink bug committee’ command post, could definitely use people in key positions who know what they’re doing, and I’ll bet your marines could handle small arms training, taking that load off you. You see where I’m going with this? And Toby would have a lot of ideas that could use your crew. After all, what would they be doing in First Landing besides sitting on their duffs?”
“I can’t argue that,” Colt responded. His expression abruptly changed. “Wait a minute. That’s it.” He began pacing.
Lois looked at him but said nothing.
When Colt stopped pacing, he said, “I’m damned tired of always being one step behind. It’s time to take the offensive.”
“What do you mean?” Lois’ bafflement showed on her face.
“I mean I’m pretty sure I know who’s pulling the strings of the militia, and I’m going to throw an enormous monkey wrench in his plans.” He smiled as he looked at her. “Did you have some specific idea of where my crew could stay?”
“A lot of the families who volunteered clothing have spare bedrooms. I don’t think that should be a problem. Let me call Toby, and I’ll start contacting people.”
###
Toby scratched his head and frowned faintly. “You’ve got a crew of twelve sailors and marines and one civilian you’re putting at our disposal? Who gave you the authority to assign service members?”
“What?” Colt could only gape.
“You’re retired, right? Where do you get the authority?”
Colt hesitated, realizing what Walker was talking about. “Ah, I see,” he responded. “No, I’m not retired. Let me explain. It’s a long story, but I’ll try to keep it brief.”
Colt quickly explained what had happened to the Clermont and what followed up until he met Walker. Trying to avoid giving away anything classified, he carefully told how he had contacted an operative he knew to help him free the crew and how he got permission to help in the province with self-defense while things developed.
“You’re working with Imperial Intelligence?” Walker scowled. “Were you sent here to spy on the provinces?”
“No, I’m not spying.” Colt glared at Walker for a moment. “To put it bluntly, I’m trying to help with maintaining a semblance of stability while this thing gets sorted out, and helping the province stay out of militia hands is part of that.”
Toby stood silently for a moment, continuing to frown. “But you still have to report the natives, right?”
“Not necessary. The Colonization Board already knows of their existence.”
“They already know?” Walker stared directly into Colt’s eyes, daring him to prove his statement.
“I didn’t want to discourage anyone at the town meeting, so I didn’t bring this up. Governor General Remarque may seem like a pompous bureaucrat, but the man is sharp, and I’ll guarantee he has eyes and ears all over the planet. There’s no way he could have overlooked evidence of the Lodaanii. He sent a message to the Colonization Board over a month ago.” He held up a hand. “I’ve seen it. I imagine he’s waiting on word from them on what to do. Fortunately they’re bureaucrats, and they aren’t used to handling complicated situations like this.” Colt flashed a brief smile. “And, of course, sub-space communication is shut down.”
“You don’t seem to be too concerned about the natives,” Walker noted.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m concerned about them,” Colt answered. “But there’s not much we can do. You have people looking for legal loopholes to stall and hopefully block the Colonization Board from kicking the colonists off the planet. I have every hope they’ll succeed, but right now I’m more concerned about putting this rebellion to rest. It doesn’t serve any useful purpose, and I believe we can do something about it.”
Walker considered for a moment. “Okay, then what’re your troops going to be doing?”
“They’ll be helping keep the southern half of the province out of separatist hands. In fact, that’s just the first part. The next part is to free the northern half of the province, and I think I know how to do it.”
Walker relaxed and smiled. “This I’ve got to hear.”
After Walker left an hour later, Colt muttered to himself, “I need to talk to Fitz.” He stepped over to the computer terminal and said, “Call Dennis O’Toole.”
Chapter 33
A lively crowd greeted Colt when he arrived at McGinty’s pub the next day. Fitzhugh was already seated at the bar in his O’Toole guise. As Colt approached, Fitzhugh stood up and slapped him on the back. “Good to see you again, commodore. There’s an empty booth. Why don’t we sit back there?”
“It’s good to see you again, Dennis,” Colt replied heartily as they walked toward the booth. He lowered his voice, “Did you find her?”
“The lady was elusive, but, yes, I found her. She’ll be along in half an hour. I didn’t want her to see me,” he smiled broadly and slid into the booth.
“Are we talking about the same woman?” Colt asked.
“I certainly hope so. I had a devil of a time …” He paused. “You didn’t think I was talking about Jana, did you?”
“I just wanted to be sure.”
McGinty showed up with a pint. Fitzhugh picked it up and said, “Many thanks, Seamus. It’s dry I am.” He took a healthy swallow from the glass.
Colt shook the publican’s hand before sitting. “I’ll have the same, Seamus.”
When McGinty had moved off, Fitzhugh handed Colt a piece of paper with the royal seal on it. He continued in a whisper, “This is the paperwork you wanted. I hope she’s worth it.”
Colt tucked the paper in his jacket. “Thanks, I know she is, and I hope … no, believe, this will be enough.”
“So what the Hemlock are you planning to do?”
“Start a chain reaction,” Colt replied.
“How’s that?” Fitzhugh took another swallow.
“I’m pretty sure I know who’s pushing the buttons in this rebellion. I’m planning to smoke him out by breaking up his organization.”
“All by yourself?” Fitzhugh asked.
Colt smiled, “Of course not. I’ll need help. That’s where she comes in.”
“Still, just the two of you? What if she doesn’t cooperate?”
“Oh, she’ll cooperate. Besides, I have plenty of additional help. I’ve got my crew. I’ve got my insider. I’ve got the mayor of Sykesville.” He put his forearms on the table and leaned forward conspiratorially. “And you have what’s left of the Invincible crew.” He paused. “Look, I’ve seen enough of the militia to know the locals are already disaffected. All it will take is a little push in the right places and the whole organization will fall apart.” He leaned back. “Here comes Seamus.”
McGinty put the glass of ale on the table. “Looks like you two are up to something.”
“Can you keep a secret?” Colt asked.
“Not a chance,” McGinty answered.
“In that case let’s just say we’ve discovered something else we have in common.”
When McGinty had left, Fitzhu
gh took another swallow. “If it was anyone but you, I’d laugh. All I can say is watch your back.”
“That’s another part of it. I need you to do me another favor.”
Fitzhugh cocked his head. “Go on.”
“Don’t tell anyone what I’m doing, not anyone. That’s important.” He stared at Fitzhugh, frowning. “If anyone asks what was going on tonight, just tell them I was boiling mad about nearly being captured and vented to you.”
“If I’m good at anything, I’m good at keeping secrets,” Fitzhugh responded. He glanced at his watch. “I’d better get out of here. Your guest will be here soon.”
About ten minutes later she appeared at the door to the pub. When she saw Colt, she immediately walked over to the booth. He stood up as she approached. She said, “Commander, it’s a pleasant surprise to see you again.”
He shook her hand. “It’s nice to see you too, Sergeant Hess. Please have a seat.”
She slid into the booth facing Colt. “So, why am I here?”
“I need your help, but if you accept my offer you’ll probably be blackballed by all the mercenary companies. I’m hoping your allegiance to the Crown and the Republic will be enough to sway your decision.” Colt produced the document Fitzhugh had given him. “The person responsible for getting you here has the authority to issue certain official documents. This one exonerates you for all the charges you were court martialed for and removes them from the records. It restores your rank and term of service. To make it official all you have to do is sign it in my presence. It’s yours regardless of whether you accept my offer.”
Hess studied the paper for a moment. “This is real?”
He nodded.
She put the paper down and looked Colt directly in the eye. “First. I don’t owe the mercenaries any allegiance. My company fired me as soon as they found out I had let you live and I told them I draw the line at murder.” She paused. “Second, what’s the catch?”
“None. I admit I’ll be disappointed if you choose not to work with me, but it’s your decision.”
“I don’t get it. Why are you doing this?”
He returned her gaze, smiling, and said, “The last time we saw each other, I said I couldn't officially condone what you did, but since then I've studied your case and changed my mind. I can condone it. I probably would have done the same thing. You made a command decision that the hostages’ lives were more important, and I agree.” She returned the smile briefly.
“On top of that I need your knowledge,” he continued. “There’s more going on here than meets the uninformed eye, and I believe you have a better idea of what it is than I do. And, yes, you saved my life, so I owe you.”
Colt heard the front door of the pub open and swung around as four men walked through. Their appearance and actions immediately put him on guard. Entering the pub, they spread out, moving with a distinct combat posture. Colt lowered his voice, “Don’t look now but I think we have company.” Turning on the communicator camera, he punched in the number on O’Toole’s business card. He made a quick but unobtrusive sweep of the four men and put the communicator on the table, leaning it against the wall so it had a clear view as the men approached the booth.
Sergeant Hess pulled a small mirror out of her purse and used it to take a quick look at the men. “I recognize three of them. All mercs. The one with the shaved head is Gregor Malinowski. A mean son of a bitch.”
Malinowski looked in their direction. His eyes widened briefly, and he started toward them, moving at a brisk pace. As he approached, his face brightened with a smile that almost seemed genuine. “Nancy Hess. Is that you?”
The other men turned and hurried toward the booth. Their smiles were more predatory.
Colt and Hess stood to face the approaching men. “Well, Greg. Fancy meeting you here. I thought you were in Woomera,” Hess responded. Her expression was neutral, but her eyes blazed.
“So, who’s your friend?” Malinowski stopped centimeters from the table.
“Commander Gus Colt. Gus, this is Greg Malinowski.”
“Let’s cut the bull,” Malinowski lowered his voice. “You two are going with us.”
“I don’t know,” Colt responded. “The odds don’t seem very fair. After all, there are two of us and only four of you.”
Malinowski pulled back his jacket, exposing a Franklin two-phase in his waist-band. “A wise guy, huh?” he smiled. “This little feller evens the odds. Now, move.”
Colt looked at Hess. “What do you think, should we take this outside?”
“Knock it off and get moving,” Malinowski growled, reaching toward the blaster.
“Well, when you put it that way.” Colt stepped out of the booth, smiling. “After all, we wouldn’t want any of the bystanders in here to get caught in the crossfire.”
As they walked toward the door, Hess hissed, “You know, Commander, one of these days your mouth is going to get you in trouble.”
“It already has,” he responded, but he continued to smile. “I’ve got Malinowski. I hope you don’t mind me leaving the others to you.”
“You two shut up,” Malinowski commanded through clinched teeth and a false smile.
At the door Colt deferred to Hess, signaling her to the hinged side of the door with his eyes. He stepped out to the opposite side.
Malinowski followed before he realized what was happening. The edge of Colt’s right hand caught him in the throat. He went down choking, but he still tried to get to the blaster. Colt grabbed him as he fell and yanked him away from the door. At the same time Hess kicked the door closed in the faces of the other three knocking them backwards. They stumbled over each other as they fell.
Colt grabbed the Franklin from Malinowski and pointed it at the door. The three struggled to their feet. The one in front pulled out his blaster and started to swing it toward the door. Colt waggled the Franklin and pointed behind them. McGinty was bringing what looked like a shotgun to bear on the three. When the one with the blaster started to turn toward him, McGinty squeezed the trigger and all three men collapsed.
“Sorry,” Colt said, “There were three of us, not two.” He turned back to Hess. “My apologies for taking the fun part.”
###
The police arrived five minutes later and took the four men into custody. After they had questioned Colt and Hess and taken statements from the other customers, Colt gave them his communicator as evidence. The police left with a friendly wave to McGinty.
McGinty walked over to the booth where Colt and Hess had reseated themselves. “That’s about as much excitement as we’ve had around here in a quite while … unless you count the pair who tried to jump you a few weeks back. What was it all about?”
“I was trying to convince Sergeant Hess to return to active duty, and apparently someone didn’t like it,” Colt answered. “To be honest, Seamus, someone has been trying to get me out of circulation ever since they found out I didn’t die on Mount Chamberlain. And I’m bloody well sure they didn’t want Nancy here to sign up with me. She knows too much. I suspect they’ve had a detail following her ever since her company fired her.”
“I had that feeling myself,” Hess admitted.
“By the way, thanks for taking those three out,” Colt nodded to McGinty. “That stunner of yours looks like a MacArthur twelve gauge. Where’d you get it?”
“I had it made. It seems like an appropriate thing to have under the bar in case trouble pops up.” McGinty looked up. “I see I have some paying customers. You’ll have to excuse me.”
When McGinty had left, Colt looked at Hess. “So, do you need some time to think about this or are you ready to get back in uniform, at least figuratively?”
“Where do I sign?”
###
“Was she pretty?” Lindsay asked, closing the lid to the dish sanitizer and turning it on. Colt had just finished telling her about the meeting with Sergeant Hess and the intrusion by the mercenaries. By the time he and Hess had been debriefed by the F
irst Landing police and he had flown back to the ranch it was after dinner time.
Colt laughed, “Are you jealous?”
“No, I’m just curious,” she sniffed.
Colt pulled back slightly. He thought for a second. “Am I attracted to her? No. In civvies she would rate as handsome rather than pretty. Nancy is a senior NCO in the Marine Corps. I tend to see her that way first. You’ll get to meet her tomorrow and see for yourself.”
He paused. “Do I like her? Yes. I admire her. She had the personal integrity to disobey orders that would have gotten some civilians killed for no good reason and got cashiered because of it.”
She flashed a brilliant smile. “So what happens now?”
“Tomorrow we have our first strategy meeting, but what happens now is I’m going to bed. Are you joining me?”
###
The next morning Toby Walker was the first to arrive. The others trickled in. Promptly at ten o’clock Sergeant Hess walked up the porch stairs. Colt introduced her to Lindsay, whom she immediately called ma’am. Then Colt ushered her into the common room.
“The first thing we need to do is introduce ourselves so everyone knows who they’ll be dealing with. Let’s start on the left with Toby Walker, a local farmer and resistance organizer.”
Walker introduced himself briefly. He was followed by Diane Feldman, the militia sergeant who helped with the cleanup after the militia’s abortive attack. Beside her was her husband George Feldman, a platoon leader in the militia and a civil engineer. Next was Susan Winsock, the mayor and former commandant of Sykesville, followed by Deputy Marshall Owen Tucker. Finally, Sergeant Hess introduced herself as Master Gunnery Sergeant Nancy Hess, Royal Marines, and immediately sat down.
“For those of you who don’t already know, I’ve been using a lame alias since I arrived here. I’m Commander William August Colt. I was the first officer on the HMS Invincible before she was scuttled. I want you to know right away that my allegiance is to the Crown and the Republic.”
Diane frowned. “So as soon as you can contact your superiors back on Earth, we’ll all be without homes.” Bitterness almost choked off the words.
Peacemaker: The Corona Rebellion 2564 AD Page 28