Starforce Ganymede II

by Nick S. Thomas

  “What is the status of the rest of your crew, Captain?”

  “Sir, I believe Commander Desal has suspended them from active duty and sent them home.”

  Wilks shook his head in disgust.

  “Denton, the first thing you must do is remove Desal from the organisation and get the rest of your officers back in. Malory has the resources of the Secret Service to hand. The second he realises that I am onto him, he will attempt to pursue a similar course of action against myself, or worse!”

  “You knew all along what Malory was, didn’t you, Sir? Yet you never stuck your neck out before we came to you,” said Kaufman.

  The Senator turned to Kaufman, and there was some shame in his face.

  “Yes, I knew, but what was I to do, Captain? Malory is a powerful man, and allegations against a Senator cannot be made lightly.”

  “And yet any other man can be condemned on hearsay and a whim?”

  “I am sorry to say, Captain, that miscarriages of justice still take place, but we must protect our infrastructure. We cannot have our colonies’ leaders in a constant state of investigation nor entertain every allegation. Now, Denton, do you think you can get Desal out?”

  “I believe so, Sir. There’s still plenty of loyalty there.”

  “We will handle it, Sir,” said Kaufman. “I will leave Kaminski, Morrison and Lieutenant Barski here as a protection detail. Denton and I will handle the Commander.”

  “Sir, you’re going to need a few more guns to hand,” said Morrison.

  Denton turned to the former soldier.

  “We aren’t going to start a fight. We’re going to rally our allies,” said Denton.

  He turned to Barski.

  “Lieutenant, your job is to secure all of Doyle’s information, along with Senator Wilks. Be on your guard and do not waste a moment.”

  Barski nodded in agreement.

  “You ready to do this?” Denton asked Kaufman.

  “Damn right, Sir! Let’s go and take back what is ours!”

  The two men strode out of the room and into the elevator. They were returning to the IBI Headquarters with a vengeance. The doors opened and they stepped out towards the centre that had effectively been Denton’s home for the last six months. The two security guards barely lifted an eyebrow upon seeing the two men. Denton’s resignation had barely sunk in and Kaufman still held significant authority. They opened the doors and allowed them to enter.

  Desal stood in the centre of the room looking at a large viewing screen. Many administrative agents were working around him. Lieutenant Sosa sat at a small briefing table with her Sergeants nearby. She noticed them first but didn’t say a word.

  “Mr Desal!” Denton shouted.

  The arrogant Commander turned with a slight drop of his shoulders at the sound of the booming voice.

  “As the rightful leader of the IBI, I am relieving you of your command with immediate effect. You have proven incapable, incompetent and a curse on this Bureau!”

  The room was silent. All attention was on the former Commander who was still held in high regard throughout the organisation.

  Desal hesitated for a moment before turning to one of the security guards.

  “That man no longer holds an IBI commission and has no clearance to be here. Arrest him immediately!”

  The man stuttered before turning to Denton. Commander Denton had been kind to him, and he would not treat him with such little respect. He turned back to Desal and shook his head. He refused the order.

  “You would refuse a command from your leader! You’re fired!”

  Desal looked sharply at Sosa.

  “Lieutenant Sosa, arrest this man immediately! And secure Mr Kaufman’s badge!”

  She looked up at him with a confident but disgusted expression. She had taken quite enough from him already.

  “Mr Desal, you have failed this organisation just as Commander Denton says. You are a disgrace to the Bureau and you have put many fine officers in unnecessary danger. You are not fit to lead.”

  The stricken Commander turned back to Kaufman.

  “Captain, how can you allow this disobedience to continue?”

  It was a last petty attempt to save himself.

  “I’ve heard quite enough,” said Kaufman. “Sosa, detain Mr Desal and confiscate his badge, gun and any communication equipment about his person!”

  Desal huffed at the command, but was shocked when it was quickly followed.

  “You won’t get away with this! I was appointed by Senator Malory himself!”

  Denton strolled up to Desal and stared into his frightened eyes. He turned to Sosa.

  “Mr Desal is to remain detained within our cells without outside communication, until I say otherwise.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  Sosa smiled, and was glad to be putting the foul Desal behind bars and out of the way. She led him off to their interrogations cells as Denton turned back to address the staff.

  “Few of you will be aware of the circumstances which led to my stepping down, nor the reason for such secrecy now. I can, however, assure you that it has been in the interest of pursuing a dangerous criminal who will shortly be brought to justice. I ask that you continue your work. This organisation has done some damn fine work so be ready to accept the recognition that it deserves!”

  The HQ staff and officers whistled and clapped. They had no idea what case their Commander was working on, but they couldn’t be more relieved to have him back. He turned back to Kaufman.

  “I’ll handle it from here, I have Sosa to look after the place. Get back to the Senator and your team. Make sure we get that data. I’ll be in immediate contact with the rest of your crew and have them re-instated immediately.”

  Kaufman nodded with a broad grin. After days of misery, they were finally turning the tide. He rushed out the room to rejoin Barski and the others.

  * * *

  An hour later he was with Wilks and they were poring through the countless files and video data that Doyle had collected. They were sitting in a data storage centre Malory remained completely unaware that Kaufman and his officers were in the city.

  “My God, it’s even worse that I had feared,” said Wilks.

  “Sadly it’s exactly what I already knew to be true. How quickly can we get proceedings started?” said Kaufman.

  Wilks looked up to the Captain.

  “Indicting a Senator is no everyday thing. Such cases against a citizen could take months, but a great priority is set towards a politician. The people want to know they can trust their leaders, and the Senators must face any allegation immediately. We must take this to the President at once. He will call an emergency hearing for the morning. With this evidence, Malory could be behind bars before the sun is down tomorrow.”

  Kaufman smiled. Denton was right. They did go to the right man.

  “There is only one last consideration, Senator.”

  “Yes?”

  “Until Malory is finished, all our lives are at risk. He would not stop short of murder to protect himself, so we must be extra vigilant until that time comes. The Intrepid, Sir. We’ll have my entire crew to guard both yourself and Doyle. It has the protection of the star base security measures and enough beds to make it a comfortable night.”

  The Senator nodded hesitantly. He was not used to having to hide from anyone.

  “Can you make all necessary arrangements with the President across comms, Sir?”

  “Yes, certainly.”

  “Then it is decided. We depart immediately for the ship and stay there until the Inquiry tomorrow.”

  * * *

  No one could be present during the Senator’s communication with the President, not even Denton. For hours the Commander and the Captain waited on the bridge as Wilks used Kaufman’s cabin. The crew trickled back to the ship throughout the evening, and they gladly took back their badges. Lieutenant Sosa’s teams cycled a protection duty around the vessel and its surrounding area.

  “Th
e last time we were here, Captain, I was nearly killed and our key witness lost his life. That cannot happen again,” said Denton.

  “On it, Sir. On that occasion we were not aware that a threat even existed, but this time we will depart in MILAL suits. We have three armoured vehicles to transport you, the Senator and Doyle separately. Every detail is covered.”

  “Good. What about the three agents you detained earlier today?”

  “The second we let them go they will inform Malory of our intentions and of Doyle’s presence.”

  “We have to let them go. They are federal agents, after all.”

  “Yes, and we will. But I will not give that bastard Malory anymore time to plan than we have to. I will order their release in the morning once we have left for the Senate.”

  The doors to Kaufman’s cabin eventually opened and the Senator stepped out. He looked utterly exhausted.

  “Well?” asked Kaufman.

  “It’s on, 9 o’clock tomorrow morning. He will allow me to bring the allegations against Malory and present evidence. However, if the Senator is found innocent, the President has made it quite clear what perils I will face.”

  Denton stepped up and patted the Senator on the back.

  “Thank you, Senator. Let’s get this bastard together.”

  Few of the crew got any sleep that night. Kaufman remained on the bridge with a rifle on the desk and his pistol on his side. The electro rounds were replaced with live ammunition. Barski sat opposite him, but neither man could think of a word to say. They both knew that there was nothing left to be said until the Inquiry was over.

  * * *

  Kaufman awoke abruptly and instinctively reached for his rifle. He opened his eyes and looked around. Barski was asleep and several of their officers were on guard. He must have dozed off just before the sun came up and had managed an hour or two’s sleep. Even the little he did get was most welcome. He got to his feet and strolled over to Max.

  Barski was out for count with his rifle resting across his arms. Kaufman kicked his feet and startled him. He woke from a deep sleep which he was clearly enjoying.

  “God damn, is it morning already?” he asked.

  “Afraid so,” replied Kaufman.

  The doors to the bridge opened and Denton stepped in. He couldn’t have had much sleep either, but he put on a good show and tried to look his best.

  “It’s time to move, Captain. Are we ready?”

  “The Senator, Sir?”

  “He is waiting for us in the docking bay along with Lin’s team in protection detail. Doyle is with them also.”

  “Wow, anyone would think you were after my job, Sir,” said Kaufman.

  Denton smiled.

  “I think we’ll get a good night’s sleep when this is over, Captain. Let’s get it done.”

  Kaufman turned and looked at viewing screen to the docking bay ahead. Lieutenant Sosa was waiting with her entire crew beside the three armoured VIP cars and several cruisers. He turned back to Barski.

  “I want everyone in full armour and at the docking bay in five, got it?”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  Barski leapt to his feet and was already barking orders through his intercom as he rushed to get his gear.

  “Any word on Wells?” Kaufman asked.

  “He was detained without incident late last night, but he gave them a good run for their money,” replied Denton.

  “Good, I want him back with us the second it can be done.”

  “Most definitely, Captain, I will do everything I have to.”

  Minutes later he was with the rest of the crew who had been assembling beside their cruisers in the belly of the ship. Barski was surprised to see him not in armour.

  “Where’s your gear?”

  “Nothing but personal weapons are allowed inside the Senate Chamber. Denton and I will provide protection for Doyle once he is inside.”

  “Eric, remember what happened last time?”

  “This is not up for discussion, Max. We each have a job to do, focus on it!”

  Kaufman turned to look at the officers who were waiting for him.

  “Good morning to you all. Today we will claim back our reputation and put down one of the worst criminals in the city. Our job is to safely escort Agent Doyle, Commander Denton and Senator Wilks to the Senate. Upon reaching our location, you will take up position at all entrances and exits to the building. You are not permitted inside in full gear. Denton and I will continue in, and Lieutenant Sosa’s team will provide additional security inside the building. Everyone clear?”

  “Yes, Sir!” they cried.

  He had not heard such enthusiasm since before the case had begun.

  “Move out!” shouted Kaufman.

  They set out with a vigour and drive they had not felt in days. Kaufman and Barski kept a keen eye on the docking bay as they loaded up into the vehicles. They set off in a column of three armoured vehicles and a dozen IBI cruisers. Denton knew that Malory was willing to kill to protect his way of life, but he could never touch two entire Bureau task forces. Kaufman sat opposite Denton in their vehicle. The Commander reached forward and gave the Captain his datapad.

  “Captain, I want you to take a look at these videos files. They are all from Secret Service vehicles that worked in conjunction with the Senator. This hearing will require my full attention, so I want you to take what time you can to go through it. You may find additional information. Malory is going down based on what we already have, but he must have had plenty of help along the way.”

  Kaufman accepted the device and nodded. He looked at the most recent videos. There were hours of recorded data from protective details.

  “It could take days to go through this thoroughly, Sir.”

  “I know, just do your best. Anyone who has worked with Malory stands to lose a lot, whether that be money, jobs or their freedom.”

  “Yes, Sir, I’ll do what I can.”

  The convoy rolled through the city without incident. They knew that an army would be needed to interfere with their arrival at the Senate. Few more words were spoken as they arrived at the building. Kaufman’s team formed a shield around Doyle and Wilks as they entered the grand building. Nobody else yet understood the nature of the Inquiry, except the President himself.

  As they walked up the many steps to the Senate building, Kaufman signalled for Barski to take up defensive positions. Sosa’s team followed closely behind their unit. When they arrived the Senate had already convened.

  “Sosa, take Doyle to the waiting room appointed. We will notify you when we are ready for him,” said Kaufman.

  She led Doyle away. Kaufman and Denton entered with Senator Wilks. It was an imposing sight to see hundreds of the world’s leaders gathered before them. President Lewis of the colonies was already sitting at the centre of the oval conference area. He rose at their appearance.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen of the Earth Senate!” shouted the President. “We convene here under emergency measures upon an allegation against one of the appointed officials among you. I give the floor to Senator Wilks.”

  Kaufman watched for a few minutes as the Senator continued to make a case against Senator Malory amid a constant heckle by many of the members. Some of the Senators gladly accepted Malory’s guilt, but others were clearly taken aback that one of their own could be such a heinous criminal. Malory himself sat with a sleazy grin on his face. He clearly still thought he would get away with his many crimes.

  After the initial announcements by Wilks, Kaufman quickly turned back to the video files Denton had given him. He flicked through them at high speed to look for anything useful. He went through hours of recent footage of little more than Secret Service protection detail until he stopped at a location he recognised.

  It was Denver’s vehicle during a visit to Malory’s former secretary, Tiffany Harris. All his attention was on the video as his eyes widened. He forwarded through the next hours of footage, noting that the log was the same time he and Bar
ski tried to make contact with Harris. Kaufman forwarded a little further on.

  The surveillance video showed that the vehicle it was located aboard was stationary. Another vehicle fifty metres in front was struck at high speed by a truck. Kaufman stopped, re-wound and zoomed in on the vehicle before it was wiped out. He quickly recognised it as belonging to Mrs Harris.

  “My God,” he said.

  Denton turned to him in surprise. His words were overhead by several Senators around them. Kaufman did not respond, but he leapt from his seat and threw the pad into Denton’s lap. He quickly ran through the doors they had come in by and drew his handgun. Two of Lieutenant Sosa’s officers were posted outside and turned in surprise at his urgency and weapon.

  “Where is Doyle?” he shouted.

  “In holding with the Lieutenant, Sir.”

  Kaufman did not break stride, but he rushed to the door of the room and ripped it open. He lifted his weapon at the sight of Denver holding a needle at Doyle’s throat.

  “It’s over, Ray!” he shouted.

  Denver grabbed Doyle from his chair to provide a shield against Kaufman.

  “I’ll kill Doyle and your case is over, Kaufman!”

  “We already have everything we need from Doyle, audio and video evidence. We know you were involved in the murder of Tiffany Harris. The Senator will get life, but you may get away with less if you surrender yourself into my custody.”

  Kaufman looked across the room to see Sosa lying unconscious on the floor, but there were no signs of injury.

  “She’s alive,” Denver said.

  “Ray, don’t make this any worse than it is.”

  “You are making the mistake. Malory has brought order, and he has kept the peace. So there have been a few casualties along the way. What is that to make the city a better place?”

  “What happened to you, Denver?”

  “I won’t let you destroy a Senator’s life, Kaufman!”

  He lifted the needle and prepared to push the release switch. Kaufman could see that he didn’t have a clear shot, so he quickly fired at the syringe and smashed it across the room. He tried to adjust to take a second shot but Denver rushed out through the rear door. Kaufman rushed across the room with his weapon raised as the other two officers stormed into the room. Doyle coughed and spluttered.