Midshipman Henry Gallant in Space (The Henry Gallant Saga)

by H. Peter Alesso

  Then he continued, “This is an informal fact-finding inquiry into the recent military actions at Jupiter and in the asteroid belt. We will be evaluating the current conduct of the Titans war. This hearing will be recorded and an unclassified edited version of these proceedings may be released to the public at this committee’s discretion.

  “To begin the hearing, I will read my formal opening statement for the record. Each senator will also provide a written copy of their statement to be included in the transcript.” As Chairman Graham read his statement out loud, the audience grew restless. His statement was a brief summary of the military and related political events since the Titan force was first spotted approaching Jupiter.

  Graham banged his gavel several times in an attempt to restore quiet and order. Then he said, "Let’s begin by reviewing some of the factual information about the activities and data you collected, Mr. Gallant." Step-by-step, Graham took Gallant through his report. The court members and the audience listened attentively as a summarized account was read of each action. First, they heard how Gallant entered the Titan destroyer and collected the AI equipment; they heard about Gallant being ordered into the asteroid field, where he found the alien fleet hiding. Finally, there was a brief account of his fighting his way free and traveling to Mars.

  "This report is a credit to you and Midshipman Mitchel," said the chairman. “It appears that you've discovered vital information for the United Planets."

  "Thank you, Senator. We benefited from speed and a great deal of good fortune," said Gallant.

  “Really?” said the chairman, with a nuance of doubt in his voice. “Let’s now turn to some specifics that are the focus of this inquiry. These address the incompetence and gross negligence of the armed forces to prevent the Titans from threatening first Jupiter and now Mars.” Graham spoke with a distinctive animus.

  A pained atmosphere descended throughout the room. Gallant couldn’t determine whom this bombastic rhetoric favored, but he knew it could hardly be more ill-conceived. He felt it could lead to a whole series of strategic and psychological blunders by the UP leadership.

  Chairman Graham turned and said, “I yield the floor to Senator Chafee for the initial questioning.”

  Senator Chaffee sat on Graham’s right. He was a dogged and fixated man, meticulous in his duties as he leafed through some of the papers in front of him. He too greeted the television cameras with a smile and then began, “This committee has a few questions for the witness. Mr. Gallant, during the Jupiter action did you receive authorization to disengage from battle at any time?”

  “No, sir.”

  “Did you receive authorization to enter the alien destroyer and engage in hand-to-hand combat?”

  “No, sir.”

  “Do you understand the difference between taking a risk and being reckless, Mr. Gallant?”

  “I feel I took a risk appropriate to the threat we faced, sir,” said Gallant, becoming increasingly uneasy.

  “Did Captain Caine give you advanced classified orders to seek out a damaged Titan ship to collect secret information and return it directly to him?” asked Chafee, leaning forward in his chair, ignoring the hush that filled the room.

  "Huh? Uh, no sir." Gallant felt that the factual record that he had presented from his ship’s video and AI should have been sufficient to evaluate his actions. So, he was surprised at the sharp questioning and accusations of errors in judgment.

  The tension in the room continued to grow. A sense of mistrust had given birth to strident questions. With each inquiry, it became clear that Gallant was being investigated for possible dereliction of duty, disobedience of orders, and overstepping the bounds of his authority. He realized he could face a court martial for conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline of the service. Against this array of potent charges by powerful individuals, he had only himself for defense.

  “Did you get authorization for the abnormal flight path you took through the asteroid belt?”

  “No, sir,” answered Gallant, clenching his teeth.

  “Did Captain Caine already know where the secret Titan asteroid base was located because of his multimode radar scans? Did he send you there deliberately?”

  "No, sir." Gallant’s cheeks were flushed, and his neck had turned bright red with anger and frustration. He was out of his depth and he knew it. He felt he was being attacked unfairly, but he was helpless to protest. Slowly, it dawned on him that he might not be the target of the attack. They might be going after Captain Caine. Gallant looked suspiciously at the NNR president, Gerald Neumann.

  “How did Jupiter Fleet let the enemy slip past them to establish a secret base in the asteroid belt? Tell us, how was that possible?”

  Gallant tried to choose his words carefully. “I don’t know, sir, but the solar system is big. And asteroid and planet shadows do provide major radar obstructions. I took advantage of that myself, when I was hiding from the Titans.”Chafee shifted in his seat to listen to one of his staffers pass a message to him from Gerald Neumann. Then he said, “Why was Captain Caine reluctant to provide escorts for convoys?”

  Gallant recalled that Caine had discussed this in front of him, but he was reluctant to reveal too much, “Uh… I think Captain Caine made every effort to supply convoy escorts and still defend Jupiter Station.”

  “Do you have any reason to doubt Captain Caine’s loyalty? Has he withheld vital information from the proper authorities?”

  "No," Gallant responded, tight-lipped, purposely omitting sir from his reply. Then he added, white-hot with anger, "Captain Caine is a brilliant and courageous officer. I have the greatest respect for him and all the officers of the Jupiter Fleet."

  Senator Chaffee sat quiet for a minute as if deciding on a change of tactics. Then he asked, “Why didn't you immediately transmit a warning to the Mars Fleet that there was a secret Titan armada hiding in the asteroid belt. Wasn’t it your sworn duty to raise the alarm?”

  “I thought there was a strategic advantage to be gained, if I could get away stealthily and report directly to Admiral Collingsworth.”

  “The standing orders say to immediately report enemy activity of such a magnitude and threat. Who gave you authority to make strategic decisions beyond your rank? Do you regret your actions?”

  Gallant said, as forcefully as he could, “If I had a chance to do it all again, I would take the same actions.”

  It struck Gallant that he was a mere pawn in a much larger political game. The senators were determined to publically embarrass the military; perhaps, because of the failure to escort convoys; or perhaps, because of the failure to discover the secret asteroid base earlier.

  When Chaffee was done, he yielded to other senators who asked Gallant similar questions, all over again. They continued to lambast Gallant. He responded in monosyllables, numbed by the hypocrisy.

  They finally seemed satisfied that they had cast doubt on everything that he told them, as well as the data and equipment he'd provided. He didn't understand the source of this negative attitude. In some fashion, they just could not believe that he had accomplished all that he had. Even with the physical evidence of computer equipment and video recordings. It just appeared too good to be true, in their eyes.

  Gallant concluded that these cunning politicians were using the current crisis to aggrandize themselves while diminishing their opposition.

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  After the hearing, Gallant was surprised when he was asked to visit Gerald Neumann in his suite at the New Annapolis, Hilton Hotel. A limousine was waiting for him. This was the last thing Gallant wanted to do after his hours of “inquisition” by the senatorial committee, but he couldn’t think of a way to refuse the request of one of his shipmates’ parents.

  Maybe he just wants to ask about his son, thought Gallant.

  Gallant arrived at the hotel, and a doorman dressed in a custom uniform with many buttons and flourishes greeted him and handed him off to a tuxedoed butler, who escor
ted him to the hotel’s premiere suite. As he entered, he could only stand and stare. The suite was luxurious beyond anything Gallant had ever imagined. Paintings by old masters hung on the walls; oriental carpets of ancient weave covered expertly laid rare tile. Furniture of centuries long past adorned the rooms. All the furnishings were imported from Earth. The windows revealed stunning views of the Mars landscape. The indulgent opulence was so excessive that Gallant was embarrassed that such extravagance could exist in a universe were ordinary people still scraped by for a living.

  Another butler led Gallant inside and showed him to a chair. He offered him dessert and refreshments. Gallant sat in uncomfortable silence for nearly half an hour before Neumann arrived.

  Gerald Neumann was tall and fit. He was strikingly handsome and still looked young for his fifty-five years. He walked up to Gallant with his hand extended.

  “Let me tell you how impressed I was with your heroic journey, as well as your exceptional talents.”

  Gallant said, “Thank you, sir.”

  “I hope this visit isn’t inconvenient. My son has spoken of you several times. He is doing fine, by the way. I just received the latest update about his recovery from his wounds.”

  Gallant said, “I’m glad to hear that, sir. He’s an outstanding pilot and respected by all aboard Repulse.”

  “That’s fine. Now, I’d like to tell you a little about myself,” said Neumann with a smile, a smile that looked unpleasantly familiar to Gallant. It reminded him of the mask-like smile that the senators had worn.

  “Sir?”

  “I was born on April 17, 2115 in New York City. After working for my father who was a very successful shipping and mining businessman, I started my own company in 2138. In my early years, I learned much from my father that proved vital to my later success. My father was a leading industrialist who took me under his wing and mentored me. I learned about management and cost control during those years. I learned to reorganize enterprises into conventional joint stock corporations. I envisioned an integrated industry that would cut costs, lower prices to consumers, and produce in greater quantities. It helped me with my first investments. When I consolidated the mining business, accusations were made by the newspapers about my tactics. But I have always endeavored to maintain excellent relations with politicians who helped me resolve those public issues. The company I built was the first major business on Mars, and NNR remains the largest, today. I have always been sharp in realizing an advantage, when there was one. I often sought out distinct technologies that gave me leverage over my competition.”

  Neumann seemed to enjoy talking about himself. He snapped his fingers and a butler appeared with a cigar. He placed it in his mouth while the butler offered a light. He puffed on the cigar as he continued, “During my career, I’ve accrued wealth, power, and influence, but I’ve also attracted a lot of media scrutiny. In the late 2100s, much of the UP industries are now in the hands of a few powerful business leaders, including myself. I was criticized for creating monopolies by making it difficult for other businesses to compete against me. Needless to say, I am never bothered about such accusations.” Neumann patted himself on the chest as he spoke, “Sometimes one individual can change the order and structure of an otherwise chaotic situation. Such a person rises above the common man.”

  He shifted to a more personal topic. “My first marriage to Amelia Theodore was brief. She died a few months after our son, Anton, was born. Five years later, I remarried.” He cleared his throat and continued, “I have many interests beyond the world of shipping, however. I enjoy sailing and I won the Earth's Cup yacht races. As you can see, I am an ardent art collector and have an extensive collection.” He waved his hand at some of the examples before them.

  Then he started to get down to business, “Today, I dominate two industries. I did that by consolidating space shipping and mining. I am now interested in anti-proton fuel production, a crucial material in our future growth within the solar system. So, you can see my interests are extensive.”

  Gallant remained silent. Neumann said, “My son sent me information about you. That, plus everything I’ve learned from the hearing concerning your unique abilities, leads me to an inescapable conclusion. You have significant potential, and therefore you interest me.”

  “I’ve explained all this to you because I want you to be impressed with what I am willing to offer you to work for me. You will be invaluable to me in directing commercial shipping safely and efficiently on optimal routes avoiding asteroids and aliens. I will make it well worth your while financially. In addition, you needn’t concern yourself, any further, about court martial charges, or investigations. It will be no trouble getting you reassigned to me, or even released from service, if you prefer.”

  He waited, and then added, “In every crisis, there is an opportunity. This is yours.”

  Gallant knew he should find a diplomatic and polite way to turn down his powerful man, but when he found his voice, he couldn’t restrain his outpouring, “We have very different opinions of what is valuable in this world. I’m very proud of my service. There is nothing you can offer me to make me abandon my shipmates, or my duty. They depend on me and I will not desert them.” Gallant stood up, and with his jaw clenched, he said, “Now, if you’ll excuse me.” Without waiting for an acknowledgment, he turned and walked out.

  Neumann seemed stunned by the blatant refusal to yield to his wishes. He remained in a rigid posture in the center of his lavish suite watching Gallant leave the room.

  CHAPTER 26

  Gallant stood at attention in Admiral Collingsworth’s office in New Annapolis. The room was slightly old fashioned, even Old World. Gallant would not have been surprised to see it at the Naval College on Earth. In fact, it was a near replica of the office of the Commandant of the Space Academy, which Gallant had visited once. Nonetheless, it was also equipped with the latest communication and computer technology required for conducting detailed military assessments with subordinates.

  The admiral, himself, also appeared Old World. He was a rather short wizened old man. His uniform was immaculately tailored to enhance his stature despite his height. He glanced at Gallant, attempting to size him up, comparing the information he was reading with the individual standing before him. He frowned repeatedly and asked questions of his chief of staff; things that Gallant couldn’t hear.

  The admiral's chief of staff, Captain William Pierce, hovered around the admiral, whispering in his ear giving him last minute information. He presented virtual screen readouts and updates on fleet activities and a comparison of strength against the Titans. SAI input adjustments based upon Gallant’s debriefing were shown in red on the screen. After several minutes, he nodded toward Gallant and started talking fast in the admiral's ear once again. The admiral stood up and began pacing, lost in thought, but clearly troubled.

  “When I was asked to make you available for a briefing to the Senate’s Armed Services Oversight Committee, I was not informed of the nature of the format, or the process,” said the commander-in-chief of the Mars Fleet. He voice was harsh and strained. He paused and then added, almost under his breath, “It’s unfortunate, but the field of battle isn’t the only place, you’ll face enemies.”

  While the admiral didn’t openly express his opinion of the committee’s behavior, Gallant judged that he was seething to say more, but found it inappropriate to say it, to an officer as junior as Gallant.

  Collingsworth walked to the far wall and looked out the window. After a minute, he had visibly regained his equanimity. “You may rest assured, however, there will be no further action taken against you. Your record will properly reflect your honored service and valor.”

  “Thank you, sir,” said Gallant, feeling both grateful and relieved.

  Collingsworth returned to his ornate chair and sat down, “You may have wondered why the SAI spent so much time questioning you about your personal background at the academy and on the Repulse. I ordered that. I’ve found over
the years that written words are too sterile to take the measure of a man. Your recent performance and accomplishments were unique and I needed as complete a picture of you, as possible, in order to form my own opinion.” He smiled slightly. “I like officers who were bright and inventive, and willing to fight against the odds.”

  He leaned forward and looked carefully at Gallant, “You’ve managed to have quite an adventure. I'm not sure, exactly what to make of it. But I’m particularly impressed with your special neural interface abilities. This unique ability to understand so much of the battlefield may be of significant importance.” He paused and then said, “I have plans for you.”

  He hesitated before adding, “That is all for now. See Lieutenant McCall as you leave.”

  “Aye, aye, sir,” said Gallant, wondering just what plans the admiral had in mind.

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  After he left the admiral’s office, Gallant found Lieutenant McCall waiting for him.

  “Please follow me,” she said and led him to the second floor of the building and into the Mars Fleet Command’s CIC.

  McCall said, “The news you brought to Mars has been electric. It has changed the outlook of the people and the fleet. In fact, we’ve been more than a little overwhelmed in the intelligence community. Things can’t stay static much longer. Nevertheless, Admiral Collingsworth hasn't released his final decision on fleet plans.”

  Gallant frowned.

  “We’ve just received a data dump from a drone we recently sent to Ceres,” said McCall. “I’d like you to compare its information against the data you collected. In addition, your mental image of the Titan base could prove helpful.”

  Gallant nodded in agreement, as he took a seat at a computer station. He began a painstaking comparison of his collected data against the new information. What he found was that the Titan disposition hadn’t changed significantly from the time he was at Ceres.

  He said, “I imagine that the Titan leadership must be confused about UP intentions. They must be wondering why the Mars Fleet is taking so long to come to the aid of Jupiter.”