He strolled past the dining area where most of the teams were enthusiastically finishing off the large breakfast Fletcher had put together for them. Many of the officers greeted him as he strode past, but he was not in the mood for either food or conversation. He nodded in return and continued on towards the elevator to the bridge. Stepping out onto the command deck, only Singh was in sight and at the controls.
“Good morning, Sir.”
“Good morning, all on schedule?”
“Yes, Sir. We’ll put down about thirty minutes before the unveiling ceremony.”
Kaufman nodded in return and stood staring out through the broad viewing platform. He looked out into space and thought of his home city, but he wasn’t sure if he missed it any longer. He had nothing to go back for. Despite the substantial money he now earned, he had little to spend it on. The only things he looked forward to were solving the next crime and being able to sleep.
He wondered what more there could be in life. He had devoted his entire adulthood to catching criminals. He thought for a moment what he might want, but nothing came to mind. If catching criminals was all there was to his life, could he ever be happy when there would never be an end or victory that lasted more than a day? It was depressing. He had a trusted crew and a job to do, so perhaps that was enough.
“You okay, Sir?”
Kaufman was still dazed and it took him for a few seconds to digest the question.
“Yeah, Singh, all fine. I’ll be in my cabin.”
“Yes, Sir.”
He turned and walked back to his cabin, still feeling a little dazed. He punched in the four-digit security code. The doors opened and he was alerted to the sight of someone sitting in front of his desk. He immediately reached and drew his pistol. Adrenaline rushed through his blood, and he was suddenly fully awake.
Before he could say a word, he recognised the person as the Marsau police officer who had approached him the day before about a job. She turned and looked right at him.
“What the hell are you doing here?”
“Sir! Everything okay?” shouted Singh.
“Fine, continue as you were.”
He entered the office and let the door shut automatically. He lowered his weapon but kept it in hand as he walked around behind his desk, but didn’t sit down.
“Sir, I came to you because I am right for the job and I want it more than anything. We both know I will not even get an interview if I go through proper channels.”
“How did you get aboard? Better still, how did you get in here?”
Cheryl smiled as she responded.
“I have skills, many of which will be an asset to your team. It is true that you have an opening, is it not?”
“The new team has already been selected, but there is still a single space aboard this ship. What makes you think I would give it to you when you have already broken several laws?”
“Because you can see how serious I am about this. I am right for this team and you know it. I only want to be given a chance to prove it.”
Kaufman holstered his pistol and sat down behind his desk.
“You broke in here and yet you sat that side of the desk. Why?”
“You’re the boss, Sir. That’s your chair.”
He grinned as he nodded in return. Regulations would require that he had her arrested and shipped back to her precinct, but he could not help but find her intriguing.
“You probably know that we are on our way to launch the second ship in our fleet with a whole new crew. I’ll give you your shot, but you’re not getting a badge yet.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“For now you will be on attachment on a trial basis. You will carry your Marsau badge and have no authority or jurisdiction. By the regulations of this ship you will carry a weapon that will be issued to you via the armoury on board. Later today you will attend the induction ceremony in civilian attire with the families, and not within the ranks of the IBI.”
“Yes, Sir, thank you.”
“There are no promises here. I need a team member, but only one who is up to standard. You uncle was a good man and a great officer. If you can be anything like him you will do well here, but there is no room for error. This job requires everything of you. You will be given no special treatment. We cannot afford to.”
“I understand, Sir.”
“I hope you do.”
He tapped the intercom to the ship.
“Attention all personnel. We have a guest on board who is being placed on temporary duty in Barski’s team. Her name is Cheryl Kaminski, of the Marsau police force, and niece of the late Sergeant Nowak. That’ll be all.”
He turned off the intercom and looked back to Kaminski who had a broad grin on her pretty face. She had a pronounced jawbone and an athletic body. She held herself well, strong and confident.
“You’ve got a lot to live up to, Kaminski. I can only pray you’re up to the task.”
“I won’t let you down, Sir.”
“I pray for all our sakes that is true.”
* * *
The approach to the Ganymede base showed off the last of the expansion work that had been completed while they were away. The old colony ship had been left completely intact and repaired where necessary from the damage caused during the assault six months before. However, a new docking platform had been built in its starboard side to accommodate the Intrepid, which was too large for the integrated docking bay. There was another ship next to their docking tunnel. It gleamed like new. It was the second vessel for their task force.
“I recognise that old girl,” said Barski.
“Yeah, previously known as the Smoker. Laws allow us to put into service any seized equipment. The Commander thought it best to make use of it for its capabilities and also as a symbol of our victory.”
“It’s a real kick in the teeth to the gangs.”
“Indeed it is.”
Kaufman hit the intercom switch that sent out a signal for everyone across the Intrepid.
“This is Kaufman. Congratulations to all of you for once again giving it your best. In thirty minutes we will induct a secondary task force into our organisation. I expect everyone to be in attendance. Gather in Starboard Conference Centre immediately, that’ll be all.”
“Shouldn’t we have uniforms for this kind of thing?”
“Probably, but it seems Commander Denton saw fit to sort make them low priority. Our jackets will have to suffice in lieu of anything more ceremonial.”
The Intrepid came to a smooth landing at their base, and it passed the huge illuminated sign that read Starforce Ganymede with their organisation, IBI, below it. Kaufman strolled into his office as the docking tunnel sealed against the ship. He pulled on his IBI jacket. It was ugly compared to the coat he wore as a detective or when plain clothed in his current life. However, he knew how vitally important it was that they wore visual identification during many of the tasks they carried out.
The black IBI jacket was well tailored and had a reach through pocket under the armpit to allow access to the pistol he wore beneath it. The broad letters IBI, spanned across the shoulder blades and the left breast. He wore a dark blue pinstripe shirt and a black fitted waistcoat. He pulled on his beloved brimmed hat and stepped out ready to face the new recruits. Barski was waiting for him on the bridge as the rest of the crew poured out into the access tunnel.
Half of the crews had wives, some with children, stationed in the spacious quarters allotted on board. The Ganymede base could be a lonely place at times, but it was peaceful. It was a welcome relief after the cramped living conditions of the cities they had come from. Ganymede had little of interest to anyone looking for a good time, but Europa was always more than happy for customers to spend their money in the countless casinos, bars and restaurants.
Those wanting anything more than quiet family time had become accustomed to the practice of dashing to Europa at the first notice of leave. It had become so common that the Intrepid was used to ferry a
ll who wanted to go at the start and end of their appointed leave.
“Ready?” Kaufman asked.
“Yeah, though I still think we should have personally trained and selected this new crew.”
“I don’t disagree, Max. Under perfect conditions we would have devoted the last week or two to the process, but these are not such times. As the only operational IBI task force, we could not be taken off duty. Maybe the next time this happens things will be a little different. For now, let’s just be glad we are getting some help.”
“You think they’ll be up it?”
“Commander Denton selected them personally. He is a good judge of character, a smart officer and one who would have chosen his advisers carefully. The new team may not be all that we would have liked, but they’ll be capable enough.”
Barski nodded. The new team would be starting from scratch. Ideally, they would have one of the original teams form the nucleus of the new force, but Kaufman was wary of making any changes to an already successful and well established crew. The two continued on to the elevator to exit the ship. Getting to the ramp they could already hear the excitement of the families gathered outside. They had been away for just a week, but it was a long time for families used to city police careers.
Despite Kaufman having recruited two former soldiers under controversial conditions, he didn’t go any further in recruiting military personnel. They had been valuable assets to the team, but for the IBI, image was important. Kaufman didn’t want the public to see them as a new military organisation that worked without borders. Any comparison to warlike conditions could be detrimental to their work. The IBI remained a police organisation, even if many it associated with classed them as para-militaries. For this very reason, they retained the black and dark navy uniform colours at all times.
There was nobody to greet Kaufman and Barski at the dock. Of all the crew aboard the Intrepid, including the IBI officers, only nine had current relationships with children. The Ganymede base had learnt to become largely independent. It protected and policed itself, organised teaching and entertainment. Kaufman appreciated the isolation they had inherited from the Gadson Gang. It kept them free of many of the woes of heavily populated areas.
The two officers did not break stride. They continued on to the conference hall where the new recruits were assembled. Kaufman stepped in to find both familiar and unfamiliar faces huddled into groups. The Intrepid crew in their IBI jackets didn’t mingle with the recruits in their black fatigues. Since becoming operational, the staff at the base had increased greatly. It included cooks and cleaners, as well as secretarial, technical and admin personnel. The number of non-combatants now greatly outnumbered the Intrepid’s crew of officers.
Kaufman walked up the shallow ramp leading to the top of the room where the podium was positioned for his speech. He stopped ahead of it and turned back to look at the men and women in front of him. He was in awe of the sheer numbers that were flocking into the room. The successes they had achieved were great, but the extent of their growth was the real indicator of this achievement.
He felt humbled by the power he now held. After the speed the organisation was set up and rushed into duty, he was now able to take a step back and understand the impact it was having on the world. He finally turned and took a few steps to take up his position on the podium. He took his hat off so everyone could see his face.
“Can I have your attention please!”
The room quickly fell silent in the anticipation of what was to come. They stood in lines waiting for his words. No chairs had been put out. Kaufman wanted their full attention. His team of officers took up position at the front to his left and the new recruits opposite. The support staff and families fell in behind them, mimicking their disciplined formation.
Kaufman caught a glance of Cheryl Kaminski at the back of the room. Despite her youthful face and beautiful looks, he could see some of Nowak in her. He could sense her confidence and coolheaded capability. He knew little about her yet, but he was already certain she was there to stay. He lowered his gaze to look along the line of recruits who could barely hide their excitement.
“Welcome to all of you, the IBI officers, support staff, families, and finally, to you, the recruits. No doubt Commander Denton has already briefed you extensively on your role here within the organisation, so I will keep this as brief as possible.”
He peered across the new faces. Kaufman was not accustomed to making speeches, or to speaking to the sort of numbers who were now under his command. None of the recruits were the fresh baby faces he saw in the rookie line-ups at his old precinct. These varied in age from their mid twenties to late thirties. He could see the experience in their eyes and faces. They all held themselves with the composure of an officer who had been there from the beginning. They were proud and confident.
“To you, the recruits. None of you are new to the world of fighting crime. You know what is expected of you and the risks that you face every day in law enforcement. As IBI officers, you will be expected to do all of that, and more. Ladies and Gentlemen, you have just joined the new elite. Welcome to the Interplanetary Bureau of Investigation!”
Excited roars rang out and their families joined in. He could see the new arrivals were beaming with grins from ear to ear. He knew that their excitement would soon die down when the gruelling work began, but he would let them have their moment. It was never going to be an easy job, but it certainly was rewarding. He lifted his hand and the room quickly fell into silence once more.
“It is my pleasure to unveil the second ship to join our Starforce.”
He reached for a button on the podium that opened the wall-height shutters running the length of the room to his left.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome our latest addition, the IBI Victory.”
The metal shutters rolled back to reveal the gleaming vessel. It was initially met with a gasp. The Victory was delivered just hours before. It had been kept a secret to everyone but the crew aboard the deck of the Intrepid, the control tower crew that took delivery. The vessel was just a tad smaller than the Intrepid which was next to it.
“Victory, a name which holds a great place in the history books of the world’s Navies. This ship and you as its crew, have much to live up to. I say this not to put unnecessary pressure upon you, but so that you know what is expected. When this organisation was formed, we were asked to achieve the impossible with few numbers and little time. Despite our successes, as an organisation we expect no less of you!”
He scanned around the room. The recruits’ attention had quickly turned back to Kaufman. Many of the people behind them were still fixated on the new vessel. Kaminski was paying absolute attention to him. She was staring straight into his eyes, and it was a piercing look. He appreciated her focus, but at the same time he felt a little uncomfortable.
He panned over to Barski and his team. His old friend was grinning broadly and greatly entertained at the weight being placed on the new officers’ shoulders.
“You have passed whatever tests Commander Denton has put you through and I commend you for that. But now you must continue to pass my tests and those of this job on a daily basis. The pay is far beyond any of you could have imagined, but he risks are greater than for any police force in the System. I expect the very best from of all of you.”
He paused. The recruits were too excited to understand the risks and pressures he was explaining. Never mind, he thought, they would learn soon enough. They could at least enjoy their moment.
“Tonight is your passing out ceremony. We have food arranged for 1900 hours, when the bar will also open in the communal mess halls. Tonight you may celebrate, for tomorrow your training will continue. Welcome to the Force and congratulations!”
* * *
Kaufman stood at the side of the huge room watching the crew and civilians enjoying themselves. He held a glass of whiskey in one hand and a Baracoo cigarette in the other. The vast room was filled with food and drink. The co
nverted colony ship spoiled them for space. At the rate at which they were expanding he expected that it would soon become rationed, but for now he was happy to enjoy the novelty of it all.
All the recruits had introduced themselves personally as the party continued, but he had already forgotten their names. His mind was still fixated on the government agent that they had captured. The man was being held under guard in the detainment block of the base.
“Eric!” Max called.
“What’s up?”
“Commander Denton for you. He asks that you find somewhere private to answer his communicant.”
Kaufman nodded. He’d been waiting for word from Denton since it all began. Denton was serious and clinical in his work, and he was far from someone who could be called a friend. As a colleague, however, and someone to have at the core of the organisation, he was ideal and incorruptible. Above all, Eric had confidence in his ability to get them the resources they needed and to pursue any end that was necessary. These attributes made the cold-faced leader of their organisation a man to be admired.
He placed his whiskey down and the table. He had taken little more than a few sips, having been embroiled in thought over their prisoner situation. As he strode across the room, a number of the personnel and civilians greeted him, but their attention went unnoticed as he continued on with a one-track mind.
Heading on towards his office on base, he moved as quickly as he could without breaking into a run so as not to panic anybody. He stepped through the door and immediately dropped into his seat. Placing his cigarette down on the holder, he tapped the flashing transmission button. A section of the desk levered up and flickered as the video transmission came through.
“Captain, I am sorry to interrupt you during the induction party of the recruits, but business calls.”
“No, problem, Sir. I assume you have news regarding our prisoner Doyle?”
“Of a sort.”
“How so, Sir?”
“We have been ordered to release the prisoner immediately into the care of a Secret Service transport which is already en route to you. They’ll arrive within the hour.”
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